Definition
Intelligence is defined as the ability to accomplish complex goals. This is a value-neutral definition that focuses on functional capacity across a spectrum of objectives, rather than internal states or biological origins.
Why It Matters
If we define intelligence too narrowly (as “human-like”), we will be blindsided by non-human systems. A functional definition (“ability to accomplish goals”) allows us to recognize and respect any agent that can manipulate the world to its ends.
Core Concepts
- Narrow vs. Broad Intelligence:
- Narrow Intelligence: The ability to accomplish a very specific set of goals (e.g., playing chess, driving a car).
- Broad Intelligence: The ability to learn and master a wide variety of skills and goals (e.g., human-level intelligence).
- Intelligence Spectrum: Ability is not binary; it exists on a continuum of sophistication and breadth.
- Universal Intelligence: A threshold where an agent becomes capable of designing or improving its own intelligence, potentially acquiring any other ability given enough time and resources.
- Substrate Independence: Intelligence is a property of information processing and computation, not the physical material (carbon vs. silicon) in which it is embodied.