"One could hardly call them intelligent!" Unfortunately, intelligence is independent from stupidity, and sometimes the two seem to act in perfectly proportional quantities.. For example, it takes a great amount of intelligence to make nuclear weapons, but also an equal amount of stupidity.
I was referring to the comment that I had made regarding human intelligence in light of the weapons we fabricate with that intelligence. . ... which is why I used single quotation marks to signify that the collective 'intelligence' of out species is questionable... .
If we define intelligence as an overall ability to comprehend and consider issues universally then it must be on a different, higher plane than stupidity. I think you want to say proficiency in a craft, trade, etc. Those easily sit next to stupidity in areas outside the relevant purview.
Also, intelligence without morals easily serves good and evil (atheists of the forum, Fass!) so cannot be a positive.
Regarding intelligence and stupidity.... Intelligence is hard to define, but stupidity may be a little easier. Using the K.I.S.S. principle, I would think that if using intellectual assets brings about unnecessary negative conditions, then stupidity has joined the fray. Making nuclear weapons requires more intelligence than I have, but making them also seems to be as stupid as it gets. Therefore, is intelligence an asset of survival or an existential danger. Using the above, worms may not be smart creatures, but they can't make nuclear weapons. We can..... i.e., the intelligent species. On the other hand, you don't have to be a genius to understand that crossing the street on a red light can kill you, but you have to be stupid to do so.. So you're right, the two conditions exist on a different plane, but one does not exist without the other. i.e., the more intelligent you are, the more stupid you can be... E = MC2.... It took a genius to come up with the formula, but an idiot to use it for a bomb.
"One could hardly call them intelligent!" Unfortunately, intelligence is independent from stupidity, and sometimes the two seem to act in perfectly proportional quantities.. For example, it takes a great amount of intelligence to make nuclear weapons, but also an equal amount of stupidity.
I was referring to the comment that I had made regarding human intelligence in light of the weapons we fabricate with that intelligence. . ... which is why I used single quotation marks to signify that the collective 'intelligence' of out species is questionable... .
I agree about cats BUT not sure if your comment is addressed to me?
If we define intelligence as an overall ability to comprehend and consider issues universally then it must be on a different, higher plane than stupidity. I think you want to say proficiency in a craft, trade, etc. Those easily sit next to stupidity in areas outside the relevant purview.
Also, intelligence without morals easily serves good and evil (atheists of the forum, Fass!) so cannot be a positive.
Russian...,
Regarding intelligence and stupidity.... Intelligence is hard to define, but stupidity may be a little easier. Using the K.I.S.S. principle, I would think that if using intellectual assets brings about unnecessary negative conditions, then stupidity has joined the fray. Making nuclear weapons requires more intelligence than I have, but making them also seems to be as stupid as it gets. Therefore, is intelligence an asset of survival or an existential danger. Using the above, worms may not be smart creatures, but they can't make nuclear weapons. We can..... i.e., the intelligent species. On the other hand, you don't have to be a genius to understand that crossing the street on a red light can kill you, but you have to be stupid to do so.. So you're right, the two conditions exist on a different plane, but one does not exist without the other. i.e., the more intelligent you are, the more stupid you can be... E = MC2.... It took a genius to come up with the formula, but an idiot to use it for a bomb.