Is a Universal Definition of Intelligence and Life Possible?

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The discussion centers around the challenge of defining intelligence and life in a way that is universally acceptable for philosophical debate. Key points include the assertion that definitions should not be negative, example-based, or intuitive, as these approaches lead to ambiguity and subjective interpretations. The conversation highlights that conclusions about intelligence, abiogenesis, and consciousness are often reflections of the specific definitions and worldviews employed, rather than objective truths about the universe.Participants emphasize that while biology attempts to define life through certain properties, such definitions are often inadequate when applied to complex cases like viruses or sterile organisms. The notion that all distinctions between living and non-living entities are subjective is also explored, suggesting that as scientific understanding evolves, the definitions of life and intelligence may continue to shift. The discussion acknowledges the inherent difficulties in establishing clear definitions, which can lead to confusion and hinder meaningful dialogue in philosophical contexts. Ultimately, the conversation reflects a broader concern about the limitations of language and the subjective nature of understanding concepts like life and intelligence.
  • #31
Jensen's use of the word 'intelligence'

FZ+ said:
Can anyone provide a postive definition of intelligence
http://psycprints.ecs.soton.ac.uk/archive/00000086/


  • To avoid confusion between 'intelligence' and the g factor, I have used the word 'intelligence' in an open-ended, generic sense to include various behavioral and cognitive phenomena recognized by psychologists as stimulus apprehension, perception, discrimination, generalization, learning, memory, insight, reasoning, problem solving, and the like. These capacities are the subject matter of both experimental cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence, which can work hand-in-hand in their attempts to model these phenomena, without reference to species differences (i.e., comparative psychology), individual differences (i.e., differential psychology), or neural underpinnings (i.e., cognitive neuropsychology).[/color]


Additionally, we might take note that the M-W Unabridged defines an animal as "an organism of the kingdom Animalia being characterized by ... greater irritability..." It might seem that an organism endowed with Jensen's above-listed traits of intelligent behavior would be more susceptible than a plant to irritation by its environment.
 
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