Human Intelligence…

I posed this question to Microsoft’s Bing.. is human intelligence based on weighing probabilities?

This question comes to mind with all the AI NVDA hype being expressed currently. I have been fortunate to have been involved in early machine learning AI systems development starting in 1984. see: Fifteen Years in 2023 – Eureka Perspectives (eureka-perspectives.com)

No doubt the huge increases in calculation capability that current computer systems have acquired in the past 40 years provide much more data organization and probability performance. But, do they allow a computer to really think, the answer is easy, not so much. So one should probably take all the current hype with a grain of salt.

Here is what Bing says:

Human intelligence is a multifaceted phenomenon, and its origins and mechanisms are still subjects of ongoing research. Let’s explore some aspects related to your question:

1. Psychometric Theories: Psychometric theories view intelligence as a composite of various abilities measured by mental tests. For instance, performance on a number-series test might represent a weighted combination of number, reasoning, and memory abilities¹. These theories emphasize quantifiable aspects of intelligence.
2. Probabilistic Reasoning: While a higher IQ correlates with skills such as numeracy (essential for understanding probabilities), intelligence involves more than just weighing probabilities. Human cognition encompasses a wide range of abilities, including social understanding, creativity, problem-solving, memory, and emotional intelligence. Probabilistic reasoning is just one facet of our cognitive toolkit².
3. Social Intelligence and Group Living: Our ancestors’ brains evolved in response to the increasing cognitive demands of group living. As human groups grew larger, individuals needed to navigate complex social dynamics, track personalities, and coordinate activities. Social intelligence was crucial for survival, as it influenced resource sharing, protection against predators, and technological innovations².
4. Qualitative Sense of Likelihood: Humans possess a qualitative sense of likelihood, recognizing some events as likely and others as unlikely. This common sense understanding of unpredictability or uncertainty is part of our cognitive repertoire³.

In summary, human intelligence is a multifaceted construct that extends beyond probabilistic reasoning. While a higher IQ may facilitate understanding probabilities, our cognitive abilities encompass much more, including social cognition, creativity, and emotional awareness²