Blog 5: Why is it important to define and debate our understanding of intelligence and its origins? How does this relate to you?

Why is it important to define and debate our understanding of intelligence and its origins? How does this relate to you?

   To understand a concept often means to define it.  Without at least a rigid definition of a concept, it is difficult to develop a solid and true understanding of the mechanics, details, and intricacies that define the concept.  With the concept of intelligence, the issue is even more important because, in current society, intelligence is an integral aspect surrounding everything from politics to academics and games to employment.  Everyone wants to be intelligent.  However, in pursuing intelligence, many people are not able to articulate what they believe to define intelligence.  Without knowing specifically what is being pursued, it is difficult for anyone to set goals and find directions through which they should move.  Through defining and understanding intelligence, the types of intelligences, how intelligence is developed, and why certain actions affect intelligence will help an individual to pursue self development and make clearer goals and milestones. 


  As a student, defining intelligence and its origin is important because it directly applies to how I learn and how I absorb and apply the information that is taught at school.  Recognizing the which intelligences apply to me and the types of study techniques and habits are the most effective will help aid my learning and my grades.  As a biology student, the issue of intelligence is central to the debate between nature and nurture.  Whether or not intelligence is based on personal experiences or on the lump sum of genes that reside within each cell is a question that has many facets and details.  Because this subject relates to the development of animals and the way genes control organisms, it is an important topic to consider.