Is a Universal Definition of Intelligence and Life Possible?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the challenge of establishing a universal definition of intelligence and life. Participants argue that definitions cannot be negative, example-based, or intuitive, as these approaches lead to subjective interpretations. The conversation highlights the inadequacies of current biological definitions of life, which often fail to encompass entities like viruses and sterile organisms. Ultimately, the consensus is that while definitions may be useful for practical purposes, they are inherently limited by individual perspectives and paradigms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of philosophical concepts related to definitions and paradigms.
  • Familiarity with biological definitions of life, including metabolism and reproduction.
  • Knowledge of the distinctions between living and non-living entities, particularly in the context of viruses.
  • Awareness of the subjective nature of language and its implications in philosophical discourse.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the definitions of life in various biological texts and their implications.
  • Explore the philosophical implications of subjective definitions in discussions of intelligence.
  • Examine the concept of abiogenesis and its relevance to definitions of life.
  • Investigate the role of paradigms in shaping scientific and philosophical debates.
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, biologists, and anyone interested in the complexities of defining intelligence and life, as well as those exploring the implications of subjective definitions in scientific discourse.

  • #31
Jensen's use of the word 'intelligence'

FZ+ said:
Can anyone provide a positive 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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