Shenk disagrees with Western society’s definition of ‘intelligence,’ citing Robert Sternberg, who says, “practical expertise does not correlate well with analytical (“intelligence”) tests but does correlate very nicely with job performance and life success” (232). Shenk then states that there is not “a single intelligence, but many different types of intelligence” (233). Shenk’s list (found, with further clarifications, on page 234) of types of intelligence includes: linguistic, logical/mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and naturalist. Going back to the evolution of humans from primates, consider the aforementioned types of intelligence and analyze the selective advantage, if any, of one or more forms of intelligence, or provide and explain a more useful type of intelligence for early humans. Describe how the intelligence could be instrumental in a human’s ability to survive and reproduce, with a clear link to the biological theme of evolution. Consider animal behavior (chapter 51 in Campbell), population ecology (chapter 53), the evolution of populations (chapter 23), and the theme of evolution (chapter 1).
-Mackenzie Levy (Ginnyfan@comcast.net)
In focusing on one type of intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, where Shenk has defined it as “the ability to understand other people” (page 234), having those skills is key to modern day survival and reproduction. People who have strong interpersonal intelligence are typically skilled in cooperating with other people. “These individuals are skilled at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them” (http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/ss/multiple-intell_7.htm). Because the people that are intelligent in the interpersonal aspect, typical characteristics like skilled in verbal and nonverbal communication become extremely important when measuring a selective advantage.
ReplyDeleteAs we learned in Chapter 51 Section 2, the development of cognition, “the process of knowing represented by awareness, reasoning, recollection, and judgment”, is one of the most complex methods of learning, and therefore would require advanced minds to be able to comprehend. Homo sapiens are the most advanced species in the world, and because of that, traits native to interpersonal intelligence are more easily found within our species. While primates are close relatives to us, insects can also show signs of cognition in controlled lab studies (Chapter 51, section 2, page 1128). Because we have the highest extent of cognition, it is fair to say that we are the most evolved species residing on this planet.
Early humans would have needed this skill, as it would have been crucial in finding sufficient mates. Females and males alike have had specific requirements for an able mate, and the ability to figure out the desires of others aides by giving a selective advantage that can make someone more waned than others.
Shivani Thakker (shivanithakker1357@gmail.com)
Sorry, it should be a selective advantage that can make someone more *wanted* than others.
DeleteShivani Thakker (shivanithaker1357@gmail.com)
Howard Gardner suggested that there are “eight different types of intelligence” in the form of linguistic, logical/mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist (Shenk 234). This goes along with Shenk’s claim that “intelligence isn’t fixed. Intelligence isn’t general. Intelligence is not a thing. Intelligence is a dynamic, diffuse, and ongoing process” (Shenk 230). The point is that intelligence isn’t something that can be concretely defined. There are many types of intelligence, and by creating standards and definitions of intelligence, we as a society are hindering the growth of others.
ReplyDeleteOne form of intelligence extremely sought after in society is logical/mathematical intelligence, for “numbers and reasoning” (Shenk 234). This intelligences is focused on “reasoning, recognizing patterns and logically analyzing problems” (http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/ss/multiple-intell_4.htm). This sort of intelligence is valued today, and those with this intelligence are rewarded with prestigious and highly-respected careers, such as scientists, engineers, and programmers (http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/ss/multiple-intell_4.htm). Logical intelligence, which is a key form of cognition, or “the process of knowing represented by awareness, reasoning, recollection, and judgment” (Campbell 1128), cannot be completely measured to a standard. Sternberg brings up the examples of the Yup’ik Eskimo children of Alaska, Brazilian street children, and Californian house wives to bring up the point that although these groups of people are intelligent and thrive in what they do, they are still considered failures because they do not do well in school (Shenk 232). This isn’t because these groups of people are not intelligent, it’s because their intelligence cannot be measured through schoolwork and standardized testing.
In regards to the biological theme of evolution, society’s focus on standardizing logical intelligence is a double-edged sword. This focus can be positive, because more people are being trained to solve more problems that are relevant to society today. At the same time, from a purely primal view, this focus actually harms society, because we don’t value skills that are practical to our daily lives. Instead of taking practical intelligence at face value, we as a society tend to dismiss this intelligence, using test scores and school performance to judge the person instead. From this, people with practical intelligence are shamed and ignored and the people who have standardized logical intelligence are praised and revered.
PART ONE
Annie Lee (xxannie.leexx@yahoo.com)
Concerning interpersonal intelligence, I do agree with Shivani that having interpersonal intelligence is highly important in modern day survival and reproduction. People who have interpersonal intelligence are “skilled at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them” (http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/ss/multiple-intell_7.htm). People who need good interpersonal intelligence are psychologists, philosophers, counselors, sales people, and politicians (http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/ss/multiple-intell_7.htm). However, this ability to communicate is possibly the most important skill.
DeleteHaving no social skills is unattractive to a potential mate. Just as animals must communicate their desire for mating, humans, to say in a very crude and simple way, must communicate their desire for mating as well. When a bird refuses to sing, that bird will not be able to find a mate. If a red-bottomed baboon refuses to show its red bottom to attract potential mates, then that red –bottomed baboon will be unable to mate and reproduce, which is one of the main instincts within all animals (http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa-baboon.html). These baboons display directional selection, which “occurs when conditions favor individuals exhibiting one extreme of a phenotypic range” (Campbell 480); for the baboons, this phenotype is a large, red bottom. In regards to the biological theme of evolution, animals, including humans, had to develop these skills in order to survive and reproduce. In accordance with Charles Darwin’s theory, natural selection comes into effect; if the potential mate does not have the skills and intelligence to survive, then that organism becomes unfit for mating; thus, that organism is unable to pass on its genes (Campbell 15).
The problem is that modern day society seems to downplay this particular skill. Being social is a form of interpersonal intelligence, because social people are creating many relationships and presenting themselves as potential mates. For people in the business world, interpersonal skills are just as important as knowledge of the subject of business itself. Society is going about this the wrong way, as vocal students are punished and suppressed, while quiet children are praised.
PART TWO
Annie Lee (xxannie.leexx@yahoo.com)
Part 1
ReplyDeleteIntelligence is a fluid idea; rather than being a mandated and predetermined “ability”, intelligence is truly “ a process, not a thing” (Shenk 10). As such, intelligence may be broken down into several different facets, each relating to a subsequent “concept” or “skill”. Shenk cites Howard Gardner’s breakdown of intelligence into eight different “categories”: linguistic, logical/mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and naturalist (Shenk 234). While all forms of intelligence are necessary to survival and success, emotional intelligence, which is lacking from Gardner’s list, has the largest selective advantages of the group.
Emotional intelligence is described as “the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions” (About Psychology). Emotional intelligence is both interpersonal and intrapersonal; it is equally important to empathize with ourselves and other alike. About Psychology breaks down this form of intelligence even further into four specific branches: perceiving emotions, reasoning with emotions, understanding emotions, and managing emotions (About Psychology).
Emotional perception is much more complex than direct physical interaction between two individuals. Direct physical interaction, such as verbal communication, can be easily learned through the behavioral sensation known as imprinting: “the formation at a specific stage in life of long-lasting behavioral response to a particular individual or object” (Campbell 1126). Once the foundations for these skills are set, they can be easily built upon. However, emotional intelligence is not so simple; it involves the idea of cognition: “the process of knowing represented by awareness, reasoning, recollection, and judgement” (Campbell). It is easy to see the parallel made with the description of cognition and the four branches of emotional intelligence.
The largest selective advantage of emotional intelligence is that it requires empathy in order to fully responsive; whether it be between friends, siblings, employees, or mates, empathy allows individuals to experience an emotional connectedness to one another and to develop closer bonds. This is a particular advantage for mates. With emotional investment and understanding between two mates, the bond that holds the pair together will solidify in a monogamous relationship, in which there is “one male mating with only one female” (Campbell 1134). Monogamous relationships tend to produce few offspring that require lots of parental investment. Because the father (or even the mother in some cases) is not cycling through mates constantly like he or she would be in a polygamous relationship, they are able to increase the amount of parental care provided to the offspring, thus increasing that child’s chances at developing into a successful organism.
Ethan Homedi (ethanhomedi@yahoo.com)
Part 2
ReplyDeleteEmotional intelligence has a clear link to the biological theme of evolution. Humans are more responsive and developed than any species to come before us. The underlying motive of all humans it to survive and reproduce. Through the development of emotional responsiveness to others, humans are able to better understands those and the world around them. The human body has developed enough to help us identify our emotions and to help us empathize with others. For example, emotions are helped conveyed to an individual through certain body responses, including “a pounding heart, sweating, blood rushing to the face, or the release of adrenaline” (Human Illness and Behavioral Health). These developmental mechanisms allow us to determine our own emotions as well as the emotions of others, further improving our skills in the branches of emotional intelligence. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, being able to relate and connect to a mate will foster a monogamous relationship, allowing for the mates to reproduce, and thus provide greater joint parental care to offspring.
I agree with Shivani’s stance on the importance of interpersonal intelligence. Emotional intelligence and interpersonal intelligence seem to share a lot of common characteristics, such as nonverbal communication between individuals. There definitely appears to be a selective advantage to being able to foster relationships between two individuals.
I find Annie’s argument on the importance of logical intelligence to be quite interesting. The fact that society tends to standardize all forms of logical intelligence instead of promoting this form of intelligence that is practical and relevant to our own lives is an idea that I have never really thought about before.
There appear to be numerous benefits associated with the development of emotional intelligence, such as empathy with other individuals and and a better understanding of oneself. While emotional intelligence is no substitute for all other forms of intelligence, a proper combination of all help to develop a well-rounded and skillful being.
(http://psychology.about.com/od/personalitydevelopment/a/emotionalintell.htm)
(http://www.humanillnesses.com/Behavioral-Health-Br-Fe/Emotions.html#b)
Ethan Homedi (ethanhomedi@yahoo.com)