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> Intelligence can be defined as the ability to accurately predict the future consequences of one's actions. That's not what is most essential to intelligence.
by lo_zamoyski 2y ago
> Intelligence can be defined as the ability to accurately predict the future consequences of one's actions.
That's not what is most essential to intelligence. What is most characteristic of intelligence is intentionality. From there, we can talk about inference, analysis, and so on, which presuppose intentionality. Whereas most animals maintain only a concrete image of the world they encounter, human beings can abstract from the concrete into the general and the universal, so the paradigmatic example of intelligence, as opposed to what may be considered analogues, is human intelligence.
Predictability is effectively a question of practicality. Intelligence is not the ability to predict, but rather, intelligence entails that ability as a consequence of intentionality and reasoning (by sufficiently comprehending the nature of a thing, you can make predictions about how it will behave under certain conditions, something that goes beyond mere cargo cult statistics and enters the realm of reason, which is to say concern for causality).
- czl 2y ago>What is most characteristic of intelligence is intentionality. Intentionality refers to the quality of being directed toward an objective or purpose. It involves conscious decision-making and goal-directed behavior. Given that insect have intentionally do you consider insects intelligent? While intentionality might motivate and guide our actions, the ability to foresee the results of these actions is what defines intelligent decision-making. Prediction requires a deep understanding of cause and effect, which is a hallmark of intelligence. When we predict, we infer potential outcomes based on our knowledge and reasoning. This process involves not just abstract thinking but also practical application. Accurate prediction involves the synthesis of various cognitive functions, including inference, analysis, and reasoning.