(Mar 2, 2025 09:03 PM)Magical Realist Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:So no one is smarter in any given environment than anyone else?
Again, intelligence or smartness isn't something one has. It is situational and relative to different people at different times. No one is absolutely smarter than anyone else.
So... you leave the intelligence in the environment? Can someone else come find it?
Quote:Quote:Is savant syndrome universal among the mentally handicapped?
No..why does that matter?
You're the one who asked, "Do you think mentally handicapped people aren't ever intelligent in any situation?" And then you seemed to imply that savant syndrome proved all mentally handicapped are sometimes intelligent. If they are not all savants, then does that example hold universally?
Quote:You're the one who asked, "Do you think mentally handicapped people aren't ever intelligent in any situation?" And then you seemed to imply that savant syndrome proved all mentally handicapped are sometimes intelligent. If they are not all savants, then does that example hold universally?
There are many situations that optimize cognition for everybody including the mentally handicapped. Conversations with those who know you. Art and writing. Discussing a favorite hobby in which you are knowledgable. Working puzzles. Doing a particular job you are good at. etc.. etc.. etc..
Can you show any actual examples?
https://www.kidsfirstservices.com/first-...expression
Research suggests that group therapy can positively impact the intelligence of autistic children by improving their social interaction skills, communication abilities, and overall cognitive development, particularly when the therapy is focused on early intervention and addresses core deficits in these areas; however, the extent of improvement can vary depending on the individual child and the specific therapy approach used.
Key points about group therapy and autistic children's intelligence:
Social Skills Development:
Group therapy provides a structured environment for autistic children to practice social skills like turn-taking, eye contact, and conversation initiation, which are crucial for cognitive development and learning.
Improved Communication:
By interacting with peers in a group setting, autistic children can enhance their communication skills, including verbal and nonverbal cues, leading to better understanding and expression of thoughts.
Cognitive Flexibility:
Group therapy can help children with autism develop cognitive flexibility by exposing them to different perspectives and social situations, promoting adaptability and problem-solving abilities.
Positive Peer Influence:
Observing and interacting with other children in a group setting can facilitate learning through imitation and positive reinforcement, contributing to cognitive growth
Puzzle solving has been found to be a beneficial activity for individuals with autism, as it helps develop cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and visual-spatial abilities.
"Positively impact" deficient intelligence (which could still be deficient) or actually make intelligent?
If a situation optimizes cognition in a person it is engendering intelligence while they are in that situation. It is directly correlative to the amount of brain activity going on. There is no increasing intelligence like it was some quantifiable trait belonging to the person. Again, intelligence and cognition are situational and social.
But the mentally handicapped would still be less intelligent in those optimized situations than a normal person, no?
(Mar 3, 2025 12:13 AM)Syne Wrote: [ -> ]But the mentally handicapped would still be less intelligent in those optimized situations than a normal person, no?
A "normal" person not familiar with their situation would not be experiencing more intelligence than the mentally handicapped is. It is all relative to the situation and one's own experience with it. Why are you so obsessed with some people being smarter than other people? Does your ego depend on that possibility?
So they become "relatively" more intelligent?
Personally, I have no questions about intelligence. I've just been curious to what lengths you'd go to justify your own lack thereof. Apparently, you have to tell yourself there is no objective measure and in "some situation" you must actually be intelligent. Let us know when you figure out what that situation is, because it's certainly not internet forums.
Quote:So they become "relatively" more intelligent?
Of course. You're only intelligent when your brain is activated and processing environmental stimuli and data. That is a state relative to your situation and your reactions to it. You are not intelligent when you are asleep. That intelligence is some magical property you always have and so can take credit for is a myth. Sorry if that spoils your "I love me" party.