How do you measure Intelligence?

[Orion]

Can it really be measured? Can someone really be unintelligent? Tell me, if a man is amazing at music, reading and writing, but is horrible at math, is he really stupid? It all depends. Intelligence was only mentioned years and years ago as a means to feel superior, if you can read and write, but others can't, you call them stupid to feel better than you really are. Intelligence doesn't truly exist, but there is lack of knowledge. If you learn what you didn't know, than that means you are more knowledgable then before, there is no smart or stupid, only how much knowledge you have of something.

People can be generally or specifically unintelligent, absolutely. Measuring it and attaching a number to aspects of someone's intelligences, however, is impossible, because various intelligences function in varying ways, and are not comparable.

[chihuahuaman]

People can be generally or specifically unintelligent, absolutely. Measuring it and attaching a number to aspects of someone's intelligences, however, is impossible, because various intelligences function in varying ways, and are not comparable.

Intelligence cannot be measured, no. But does it truly exist? If you lack the knowledge of something, easy fix. Just study about it, read about it, and you'll learn. But I think instead of intelligence, there is lack of understanding. If you can't understand something, especially very simple concepts, then yes, this could be considered stupidity. Like some of out more recent Republican presidential canidates, they can't, almost refuse, to understand these simple things, but in reality, they're just plain idiots because they can't understand something that they should.

[Oblivion Fenrir]

Jar Jar: oy mue mue I luv you

Qui gon: You almost got us killed,are you brainless?

Jar Jar: I spek...

Qui gon: The ability to speak does not make you intelligent, now get out of here.

[Luap]

You can't measure intelligence with anything like numbers. You can only compare and contrast the intelligence of one to another's. And, it also depends on culture, availability of education, and time period, on how you measure someone else's intelligence. Also, someone who's smart could look unintelligent because they're not wise (Wisdom is the ability to use intelligence).

There's just so many factors it's not worth the worry to wonder about.

[Laxtory]

Intelligence cannot be measured, no. But does it truly exist? If you lack the knowledge of something, easy fix. Just study about it, read about it, and you'll learn. But I think instead of intelligence, there is lack of understanding. If you can't understand something, especially very simple concepts, then yes, this could be considered stupidity. Like some of out more recent Republican presidential canidates, they can't, almost refuse, to understand these simple things, but in reality, they're just plain idiots because they can't understand something that they should.

There is such a thing as being unable to learn something. Being intelligent is not simply a matter of retaining knowledge, but comprehending it and putting it to practice. I can memorize equations all day for math and yet never understand their function; there's no comprehension there -only memorization. Scientifically speaking, there are definitely people who are more prone to mathematics than others, and thus they do significantly greater in those areas of expertise. No matter how hard you work, you can't beat their understanding of the subject because their brain is just wired to work better in that area than your brain.

Intelligence is relevant to the person, but it is not man-made. There are certainly those who are more or less intelligent than another, whether it be generally or specifically.

[chihuahuaman]

There is such a thing as being unable to learn something. Being intelligent is not simply a matter of retaining knowledge, but comprehending it and putting it to practice. I can memorize equations all day for math and yet never understand their function; there's no comprehension there -only memorization. Scientifically speaking, there are definitely people who are more prone to mathematics than others, and thus they do significantly greater in those areas of expertise. No matter how hard you work, you can't beat their understanding of the subject because their brain is just wired to work better in that area than your brain.

Intelligence is relevant to the person, but it is not man-made. There are certainly those who are more or less intelligent than another, whether it be generally or specifically.

I agree with you. But I believe you misunderstood me. I meant that for someone having and being able to output that information. You you only have the knowledge, then it's as fruitless as not knowing and/or not being able to know. What I was saying is that many years ago, high-class rich folk that could read and write would insult the poor folk that don't know and call them unintelligent for something that they simply are unable to learn due to their position.

In my opinion, if you can learn and make use of whatever knowledge, this makes you intelligent. But if you can't learn or make use of it, then that would make you unintelligent. Not that I enjoy calling anyone unintelligent.

[Shinjuku]

In my opinion the only real way to measure anyone's intelligence is through their experience's in life or their wisdom so to speak.

I do agree I.Q test don't really do anyone real justice just because you know what 2+2 means doesn't mean you know how to survive in the real world. (little extreme I know).

[dakirbymaster]

You don't measure it by the above post, that's for sure. Damn bots...

Ahem. I think you measure it with a mix of facts and common sense. I mean, one could be a supergenius, but lack any common sense whatsoever and thus is not truly intelligent. Likewise, someone with loads of common sense could be dumber than a brick.

True intelligence isn't one or the other, but a delicate balance of both.

[JustSnilloc]

I've always looked at "smartness" as being of several different forms...

Intelligence...
- Dictionary: capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.
- My View: total amount of brain power (useless without other forms of "smartness")

Knowledge...
- Dictionary: acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition: knowledge of many things.
- My View: What is known to you, Knowledge may be rare or common, Knowledge may also be focused or generalized in many areas

Wisdom...
- Dictionary: the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.
- My View: the ability to look beyond what your own knowledge can offer

those are the main three anyway, I'm tired though so I may be forgetting something XD.... but it's almost impossible to measure "smartness" because it exists in different forms, you could have someone seriously lacking in intelligence who knows everything about cars for example, and you would say that they are "smart", and you could have someone with an abundance of intelligence with very little knowledge to offer on things

[Blobbit]

Like others have said, I believe intelligence can only be measured by how the person uses and applies their knowledge to things. I mean, someone could have memorized a ton of stuff in one area and never use it in their life. Come to think of it, it seems like a lot of things taught in school are like that. But also like the person above me said, I think it's also based on each individual's three areas of smartness or whatever. If someone is great at memorizing, they might not understand what they're learning, they're just remembering it. I don't believe that everyone is born with the same capability of learning, but what makes someone intelligent is how much of an effort they give to use what they learn to their advantage and in life.

[mad]

By Intellijoules, duh.

[janetpnku]

Hoe you behave in critical situation that describes your intelligence.
:)

[Ehres]

I will always measure somebody's intelligence by how keen they are to learn. You can know every single thing about a certain subject, but that's just knowledge. Actively and consciously understand and accepting that you have a thirst for fact, theory, discussion, exploration is much more indicative of intelligence than just listing off all the elements in the periodic table.

[KHProdigy1]

You define it by how you present knowledge, in a nutshell.

[DMrayZ]

I believe intelligence is a capability, rather that a trait. It means that one is capable of learning, acquiring skills, and evolving as they age. The following is a simple test that should help you to tell if your intelligent, easy questions, simple test.