Below, the distribution if scores of the famous IQ/Wechsler test:
It measures the following:
- Reasoning:
Patterns and problems-solving. - Knowledge:
Prior knowledge. - Memory:
Recall, pulling information. - Speed:
Accuracy and speed. - Spatial ability:
Visualizing problems in one’s head to solve them in the real world.
This is limited, pen-to-paper intelligence. Yet, it is a meaningful framework for assessing intelligence:
It doesn’t cover Howard Gardner’s nine types of intelligence fully:
- Logical-Mathematical, Linguistic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Musical, Visuo-Spatial, Bodily-Kinaesthetic, Naturalist, Existential (2).
Combining these different aspects of intelligence allows us to better assess the true threat of Artificial Intelligence (buzzword).
What it can do:
- Logical-Mathematical: recently helping in solving a math problem not solved for 80-years:
https://openai.com/index/model-disproves-discrete-geometry-conjecture/
- Linguistic: text output we can understand, code to language.
Figure 2 – Natural Language Processing (Medium)
- Interpersonal: understanding and interacting with others, it has understood human communication.
Figure 3 – APA
- Naturalist: recognizing and classifying natural elements.
The drones can be configured to scatter seed, spray pesticide, or spread fertilizer. The farmer or pilot first fills the drone with the right amount of material. Then, once the operator has set the parameters and mapped the field, using a mobile phone application, the machine runs automatically and returns when supplies run out (Hakai Magazine)
Figure 4- Rice Farming Gets an AI Upgrade, Hakai Magazine
What it cannot do:
- Existential: Sensitivity to philosophical questions about existence.
- Intrapersonal: Deep self-awareness of one’s own feelings and motivations.
- Bodily-Kinesthetic: Using one’s body to create or express ideas.
This framing for intelligence is the first step to understanding how intelligent these systems are, and how they are getting better.
We are only now getting started.
Sources:
Figure 1: https://viva.pressbooks.pub/topicalchilddev/chapter/standardized-testing/
https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/pbis-prague/news/2020/12/09/the-nine-types-of-intelligence
Figure 3: https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/chatbots-mental-health-2026
Figure4: https://hakaimagazine.com/videos-visuals/rice-farming-gets-an-ai-upgrade/
natancc.blog 