Question

It is important to view intelligence within a given context. Why? What are some aspects of social or mental context or physical environment that you consider important to the expression of intelligence?

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) A person could be considered quintessentially intelligent if they are able to apply the information at their disposal to an issue that requires the formulation of a solution. In other words, a person should be able to take the knowledge that they possess and use it to form solutions to the problems that they face.

Different people face varied problems each day that depend on the environment that they are exposed to. This would mean that each individual requires an intellectual capacity that is apt for their situation. A pilot would have to be clever enough to tackle turbulence. An architect would have to be good at geometry to solve structural problems with an edifice. This is why context to intelligence is an essential aspect to one’s place in the society.

Let us assume that John Doe works in a large company and handles disaster management. John would be able to do a wonderful job if the government would hire him at the time of a hurricane. John would be able to create a network of helpers, assign resources, hire construction teams, handle rescue operations, rehabilitate victims and manage the press through quick decisions. There is no question of a debate and the solutions do not require discussions.

On the other hand, if John were hired to work in the government on a contentious bill, his proficiency might fall short. Such a bill would require debates, conducting research, looking for the solution that is best for society, cost of implementation, approval from all groups etc. Such a decision would require fortitude and not a speedy application. In this context, John might be entirely incompetent.

Such social, mental and environmental factors play a huge role in determining an optimal solution to problems. That is why it takes a specific intellectual capacity to solve these nuanced problems.