What is intelligence?
My theory.
There are likely several parts to intelligence, not just memorization.
Memory. What is intelligence? Are there different parts of intelligence? Is a great memory enough to be called “intelligent”? This will allow a person to remember formulas and facts and recite them. I propose there is more to intelligence than memory.
Analysis. Analysis is also important. That’s the ability to analyze a set of data and form (and test) a reasonable theory about what is going on. It’s also the ability to form theories about how to solve a given problem.
Open mind. A open mind is the ability to form a theory, no matter how far fetched, that fits the facts at hand. A closed mind will not let in any good ideas.
Adaptability. What if a person has a photographic memory, can remember many books, facts and formulas, but cannot adapt to changing situations? Does that make them less intelligent? If a person is adaptable, are they emotionally flexible? Does adaptability help them be cunning or intelligent or something else?
Ability to learn. What is ability to learn? This likely includes the ability to remember a situation, or facts, or formulas, to use later. This likely includes the ability to stop making the same mistake more than a few times, i.e. to learn from past mistakes.
Most people have some of these in some quantity. A few people have all of these in some quantity.
The debate continues. Please leave your additions below. Have a good day!