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Intelligence

Definition

Intelligence is the ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations.

Analogy

Think of intelligence as a Swiss Army knife. Just like how a Swiss Army knife has different tools for different situations, intelligence allows us to use different mental skills (like problem-solving or learning abilities) depending on what the situation calls for.

Related terms

Fluid Intelligence: This refers to the ability to reason and think flexibly. It's like being able to navigate through an unfamiliar city without a map.

Crystallized Intelligence: This is our ability to use knowledge that was previously acquired through education and experience. It's like knowing your way around your hometown because you've lived there all your life.

Multiple Intelligences: A theory proposed by Howard Gardner suggesting that there are several types of intelligences, such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic etc., rather than just one single type of intelligence. It's like having multiple apps on your phone each designed for a specific task.