Intelligence and Intelligibility: Cross-Cultural Studies of Human Cognitive Experience

G. E. R. Lloyd examines how to reconcile two conflicting intuitions: that all humans share the same basic cognitive capacities and yet their actual manifestations in different individuals and groups differ appreciably. He investigates the cultural viability of analytic tools and categories to organize human experience and defends the possibilities of mutual intelligibility while recognizing the diversity in the manifestations of human intelligence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Across various intellectual domains, a persistent conflict arises between acknowledging the common cognitive abilities shared by all humans and recognizing the significant variations in their manifestations among individuals and groups. In his book, G. E. R. Lloyd delves into the exploration of reconciling two conflicting intuitions: that all humans possess fundamental cognitive capacities, yet their actual expressions differ significantly across different individuals and cultures. Lloyd critically examines the cultural viability of the analytic tools commonly employed, such as the distinctions between literal and metaphorical interpretations, between myth and rational accounts, and between nature and culture. Through this comprehensive examination, Lloyd aims to provide a robust defense of the possibilities of mutual intelligibility, acknowledging the diversity of human intelligence while recognizing the need for revising our assumptions to attain a deeper understanding.

The tension between an appreciation of the cognitive capacities that all humans share and a recognition of the great variety in their manifestations in different individuals and groups is a central theme in many intellectual disciplines. In this book, G. E. R. Lloyd examines how we can reconcile these two conflicting intuitions while avoiding the imposition of prior Western assumptions and concepts. Lloyd investigates the cultural viability of analytic tools commonly used, such as the contrasts between the literal and the metaphorical, between myth and rational account, and between nature and culture themselves. He also examines the categories that we employ to organize human experience, such as mathematics, religion, law, and aesthetics.

The end result of Lloyd's exploration is a robust defense of the possibilities of mutual intelligibility. He recognizes both the diversity in the manifestations of human intelligence and the need to revise our assumptions in order to achieve that understanding. Lloyd argues that while there are significant differences in the ways in which humans think and communicate, there are also commonalities that can be leveraged to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. He suggests that by recognizing and valuing these commonalities, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society that is better equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.

One of the key insights of Lloyd's book is that the categories we use to organize human experience are not neutral or objective. They are shaped by cultural and historical factors, and they can perpetuate biases and inequalities. For example, the use of mathematics as a universal language of science has been criticized for its Eurocentric bias, which has marginalized the contributions of non-Western cultures to scientific progress. Similarly, the categorization of religions as distinct and separate entities has been criticized for ignoring the interconnections and similarities between different faiths.

Lloyd argues that by recognizing these biases and challenging them, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society. He suggests that we should strive to develop a more nuanced and complex understanding of human cognitive capacities, one that recognizes the diversity of human experiences and perspectives. This requires a willingness to engage with other cultures and to be open to the possibility of learning from them.

Another important aspect of Lloyd's book is his exploration of the role of culture in shaping human cognitive capacities. He argues that culture is not just a superficial or ornamental aspect of human life but is a fundamental component of our cognitive abilities. Culture provides us with a framework for understanding the world around us, and it shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. Lloyd suggests that by understanding the cultural context in which we operate, we can better understand the cognitive processes that underlie our thoughts and actions.

In conclusion, G. E. R. Lloyd's book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the nature of human cognitive abilities and their manifestations in different individuals and groups. By examining the cultural viability of analytic tools and categories, Lloyd offers a robust defense of the possibilities of mutual intelligibility. He recognizes both the diversity in the manifestations of human intelligence and the need to revise our assumptions in order to achieve a deeper understanding. Through his exploration of the role of culture in shaping human cognitive capacities, Lloyd provides a framework for building a more inclusive and equitable society that is better equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 215 x 135 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192867315