Intelligence in Context: The Cultural and Historical Foundations of Human Intelligence

The book explores the different ways intelligence can manifest itself in diverse contexts, challenging the traditional view of intelligence as a score on a standardized test. It emphasizes that intelligence is contextualized in terms of physical and sociocultural surroundings, and that it can take different forms in different places and times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 20 November 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the multifaceted ways in which intelligence can manifest itself across a wide spectrum of diverse contexts in which people engage. Intelligence is commonly perceived as a numerical representation or a collection of scores obtained from a decontextualized standardized intelligence test. However, it is essential to recognize that intelligence operates within a sociocultural framework. In fact, early theorists defined intelligence as the ability to adapt to one's environment. This tradition of decontextualization dates back to the early 20th century, with the development of the Binet-Simon Intelligence Scales. While the tradition of decontextualization may have its origins, it is now considered outdated and insufficient. The reality is that individuals live in diverse sociocultural and physical environments, which can lead to the manifestation of intelligence in distinct forms. The chapters included in this edited volume underscore the notion that intelligence, when viewed in isolation, lacks meaningful substance. It requires contextualization in terms of individuals' physical and sociocultural surroundings to fully comprehend its essence. By exploring intelligence within these contexts, this book offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of human intelligence and its impact on various aspects of life.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 154 x 217 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030927974
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022