The major controversy in the study of intelligence has been whether intelligence represents multiple abilities rather than being a single, general construct. However, understanding intelligence, at least its influence on Western thought, implies reviewing fundamental questions related to understanding intelligence. Much of the history of the field revolves around attempting to define the construct, establishing arguments about its nature, and formulating useful theories of intelligence. This entry presents the most influential paradigms and major theories are presented to explore historical and current interpretations of intelligence.

Early Contributions to the Field of Intelligence

Plato, Aristotle, René Descartes, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant were among those early philosophers who made major contributions to our understanding of intelligence. Plato interpreted intelligence as both the highest virtue of the soul ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles