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Concepts of Intelligence
Currently the Vice President of the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE) as well as featured writer for the Mensa International Journal, Hally takes an active interest in human intelligence in all its forms and applications.
Hally explores the science behind both human and artificial intelligence, even touching on animal intelligence to appease the animal lovers among us. By blending factual analyses with humor and plenty of background information to keep readers on the right page, Hally manages to render a potentially dry, dense subject more accessible. In fact, some of the most endearing qualities of this book are its frankness and careful accessibility. Each essay is prefaced with a helpful, yet non-condescending, introduction. It's an excellent gateway book for a novice who'd like an overview of general concepts of intelligence Those who are well-versed in the area of intelligence study are likely to enjoy this book for the perspectives it offers. As such, I'd recommend this book to anyone having an interest in the topic of intelligence, regardless of the level of refinement of that interest. Definite thumbs up!
Shannon D. Moody, Diplomacy and International Commerce, M.A., French Language and Literature.
Hally explores the science behind both human and artificial intelligence, even touching on animal intelligence to appease the animal lovers among us. By blending factual analyses with humor and plenty of background information to keep readers on the right page, Hally manages to render a potentially dry, dense subject more accessible. In fact, some of the most endearing qualities of this book are its frankness and careful accessibility. Each essay is prefaced with a helpful, yet non-condescending, introduction. It's an excellent gateway book for a novice who'd like an overview of general concepts of intelligence Those who are well-versed in the area of intelligence study are likely to enjoy this book for the perspectives it offers. As such, I'd recommend this book to anyone having an interest in the topic of intelligence, regardless of the level of refinement of that interest. Definite thumbs up!
Shannon D. Moody, Diplomacy and International Commerce, M.A., French Language and Literature.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2011
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July 2, 2013
Book Review by Philip Andermann: "Concepts of Intelligence" by Thomas Hally
Copyright 2012, iUniverse. 199 pages. Paperback $16.95. E-book $3.95.
In today's world of over seven billion people, after the evolution of four billion years of life - we witness the flashy entry of a self-aware technological species; one with both perhaps the brilliant eye of the cosmos yet also possessing the darkness of heart to destroy all known life. To many this species resembles an infinitely-colored kaleidoscope of diverse humanity, one that now tilts dangerously while rotating too dizzily. It is heading where - we are not sure - if we are honest - and for many it still seems everything keeps changing,... excepting perhaps our crucial limits of thinking.
So... then is it possible to change our limits of thinking?
"Concepts of Intelligence" provides aspects of some crucial clues.
It is in such an age - where on our iPhone we can summon the height of wooded Mt Sumeru in two seconds, but can never truly see the forest for all its trees - that the question of what are valid "Concepts of Intelligence"? - so we can understand how we can understand where we are going - seems way more pertinent than ever before.
"Concepts of Intelligence" is the inspiration of a modest man who himself has officially scored one-in-a million on a universally-recognized IQ test, for years has communicated heart-to-heart with 100,000 "genius" Mensans, yet makes his material uniquely accessible and relevant to all. He does offer references to those who wish to pursue more on IQ tests - but here expands his revelation of "Concepts of Intelligence" way beyond the dimensions of such tests.
In the most accessible form he offers a mirror to help answer questions probably raging fiercely - those questions concerning intelligent functioning relevant to all of us growing within the ever-young "Computer Age." Such an aware and humorous, revealing and appealing book always set in the historical human context, that illuminates and interrelates so many dimensions of the subject in simple terms yet profound depth, seems very rare.
This is written to entertain, clarify, evoke thrill of new thinking, and empower you. It is relevant regardless of your familiarity with the subject or of who you are. There is a silent voice within "Concepts of Intelligence" that addresses each as an individual. It reveals how - whether you are male or female, young or old, extrovert or introvert, you are very special and capable; that you are, indeed, the center of the universe. In such a light, "Concepts of Intelligence" can help you then discover, unearth, investigate, study, understand and enlighten the rest of us.
The ideal reference book to the mind, "Concepts of Intelligence" is a collection of articles relating the subject to areas of psychology, psychometrics, computers and a crew of related areas. Human intelligence is related in many ways to artificial intelligence and to animal intelligence. "Concepts" is not ordered hierarchically or linearly, yet each article appeals interdependently (sometimes implicitly) to the others; a bit like a story of self-discovery by the author that resonates within oneself; a bit like the actual structure and process of our human mind.
Read "Concepts of Intelligence" to discover how fascinatingly cross-referential and interconnected these diverse subjects all are. They evoke questions which can be most helpful for one's own life!
Often, the limits to our current understanding are quite frankly admitted.
The following are just a few of the subjects explored!
Polyglottism, or the ability to communicate fluently in many languages, is explored: how innate it may be, and its relationship to other human talents and to intelligence in general. This seems a metaphorical introduction to the diversity of the terms coming next, by which we construct our awareness.
Theories of multiple types of intelligences are explored; including logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinaesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligences...Their history, interconnections and evaluations are revealed.
The relationship of physical and mental attractiveness and intelligence, and their mutual role in human evolution, is a tantalizingly relevant question clarified. Einstein cameos as a humorous question mark. The question of humor may lay at the essence of our having become human, and of our future success.
The question of gender differences in brain structure and their relations to brain functions is both an extremely hot and a deliciously delicate issue that is honestly researched. Amazingly, different genders equally capably arrive at correct answers using very different areas of the brain, actually using very different processes of thinking. It seems to raise many, many questions. Yet, this is confirmed in other, more scientific and peer reviewed, writings. It would seem dumbfounding. This concept is consummately provocative, inspiring thoughts of evolution, history, present predicaments all around, what the future hold for us, and not to say what to say next to the beloved right beside one... Honestly, what would we do without this spice?
Similarly, the issue of ethnic differences and apparent differences in talents and intelligences is empathetically explored without bias. How do nature and nurture interact in their dance? Racism is out!
Tantalizing paradoxes raised by the Flynn Effect are explored. Much has not yet been truly clarified; again, perhaps deliciously different, yet equal, co-evolving in several ways.
What are the relationships between circadian rhythms, musical exposure, introversion, extroversion and intelligence and creativity and various divine madnesses? Different creativities are empathetically explored in multiple dimensions.
Do you want to be introduced to all the ways that computers actually "think"?, and will that help you figure out whether computers are "conscious," according to your definition of the term. What will this mean for us in the future?
What factors in our depths may prevail upon our happiness many times more than some number tagged to this or that type of "intelligence"? This is an issue involving many factors.
Above all, regardless of all else, deriving and sustaining an intelligent optimism can be accomplished to prevail over all travails. "Concepts of Intelligence" suggests How.
These are but a FEW of the seemingly loosely organized yet closely interrelated items in this paperback that factor into our ability to understand our society, our future, and those close around one. And yet, "Concepts of Intelligence" is such a good read it will not take you long to finish it at all!
Above all, you will find it will not only resonate understanding within of your own brain, you will find a striking chord in your heart. There is an empathy in "Concepts of Intelligence" wrought from the author's life. Who could have dreamed that "Concepts of Intelligence" could so poetically bond to so many kinds of heart as well as of mind?
Copyright 2012, iUniverse. 199 pages. Paperback $16.95. E-book $3.95.
In today's world of over seven billion people, after the evolution of four billion years of life - we witness the flashy entry of a self-aware technological species; one with both perhaps the brilliant eye of the cosmos yet also possessing the darkness of heart to destroy all known life. To many this species resembles an infinitely-colored kaleidoscope of diverse humanity, one that now tilts dangerously while rotating too dizzily. It is heading where - we are not sure - if we are honest - and for many it still seems everything keeps changing,... excepting perhaps our crucial limits of thinking.
So... then is it possible to change our limits of thinking?
"Concepts of Intelligence" provides aspects of some crucial clues.
It is in such an age - where on our iPhone we can summon the height of wooded Mt Sumeru in two seconds, but can never truly see the forest for all its trees - that the question of what are valid "Concepts of Intelligence"? - so we can understand how we can understand where we are going - seems way more pertinent than ever before.
"Concepts of Intelligence" is the inspiration of a modest man who himself has officially scored one-in-a million on a universally-recognized IQ test, for years has communicated heart-to-heart with 100,000 "genius" Mensans, yet makes his material uniquely accessible and relevant to all. He does offer references to those who wish to pursue more on IQ tests - but here expands his revelation of "Concepts of Intelligence" way beyond the dimensions of such tests.
In the most accessible form he offers a mirror to help answer questions probably raging fiercely - those questions concerning intelligent functioning relevant to all of us growing within the ever-young "Computer Age." Such an aware and humorous, revealing and appealing book always set in the historical human context, that illuminates and interrelates so many dimensions of the subject in simple terms yet profound depth, seems very rare.
This is written to entertain, clarify, evoke thrill of new thinking, and empower you. It is relevant regardless of your familiarity with the subject or of who you are. There is a silent voice within "Concepts of Intelligence" that addresses each as an individual. It reveals how - whether you are male or female, young or old, extrovert or introvert, you are very special and capable; that you are, indeed, the center of the universe. In such a light, "Concepts of Intelligence" can help you then discover, unearth, investigate, study, understand and enlighten the rest of us.
The ideal reference book to the mind, "Concepts of Intelligence" is a collection of articles relating the subject to areas of psychology, psychometrics, computers and a crew of related areas. Human intelligence is related in many ways to artificial intelligence and to animal intelligence. "Concepts" is not ordered hierarchically or linearly, yet each article appeals interdependently (sometimes implicitly) to the others; a bit like a story of self-discovery by the author that resonates within oneself; a bit like the actual structure and process of our human mind.
Read "Concepts of Intelligence" to discover how fascinatingly cross-referential and interconnected these diverse subjects all are. They evoke questions which can be most helpful for one's own life!
Often, the limits to our current understanding are quite frankly admitted.
The following are just a few of the subjects explored!
Polyglottism, or the ability to communicate fluently in many languages, is explored: how innate it may be, and its relationship to other human talents and to intelligence in general. This seems a metaphorical introduction to the diversity of the terms coming next, by which we construct our awareness.
Theories of multiple types of intelligences are explored; including logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinaesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligences...Their history, interconnections and evaluations are revealed.
The relationship of physical and mental attractiveness and intelligence, and their mutual role in human evolution, is a tantalizingly relevant question clarified. Einstein cameos as a humorous question mark. The question of humor may lay at the essence of our having become human, and of our future success.
The question of gender differences in brain structure and their relations to brain functions is both an extremely hot and a deliciously delicate issue that is honestly researched. Amazingly, different genders equally capably arrive at correct answers using very different areas of the brain, actually using very different processes of thinking. It seems to raise many, many questions. Yet, this is confirmed in other, more scientific and peer reviewed, writings. It would seem dumbfounding. This concept is consummately provocative, inspiring thoughts of evolution, history, present predicaments all around, what the future hold for us, and not to say what to say next to the beloved right beside one... Honestly, what would we do without this spice?
Similarly, the issue of ethnic differences and apparent differences in talents and intelligences is empathetically explored without bias. How do nature and nurture interact in their dance? Racism is out!
Tantalizing paradoxes raised by the Flynn Effect are explored. Much has not yet been truly clarified; again, perhaps deliciously different, yet equal, co-evolving in several ways.
What are the relationships between circadian rhythms, musical exposure, introversion, extroversion and intelligence and creativity and various divine madnesses? Different creativities are empathetically explored in multiple dimensions.
Do you want to be introduced to all the ways that computers actually "think"?, and will that help you figure out whether computers are "conscious," according to your definition of the term. What will this mean for us in the future?
What factors in our depths may prevail upon our happiness many times more than some number tagged to this or that type of "intelligence"? This is an issue involving many factors.
Above all, regardless of all else, deriving and sustaining an intelligent optimism can be accomplished to prevail over all travails. "Concepts of Intelligence" suggests How.
These are but a FEW of the seemingly loosely organized yet closely interrelated items in this paperback that factor into our ability to understand our society, our future, and those close around one. And yet, "Concepts of Intelligence" is such a good read it will not take you long to finish it at all!
Above all, you will find it will not only resonate understanding within of your own brain, you will find a striking chord in your heart. There is an empathy in "Concepts of Intelligence" wrought from the author's life. Who could have dreamed that "Concepts of Intelligence" could so poetically bond to so many kinds of heart as well as of mind?
October 15, 2024
Interesting book. IQ-comparison between siblings and nutrition.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews