Intelligence lies in knowing how to access information, not in storing it from "summary" of The Knowledge Illusion by Steven Sloman,Philip Fernbach
The idea that intelligence is not about how much information we have stored in our heads, but rather about knowing how to access that information when we need it, is a central concept in our understanding of cognition. In their book 'The Knowledge Illusion', Steven Sloman and Philip Fernbach argue that our minds are not designed to be information storehouses, but rather to be efficient at connecting with the knowledge stored in the world around us. According to Sloman and Fernbach, our brains evolved to work in concert with the external environment, relying on the collective intelligence of our communities to fill in the gaps in our individual knowledge. They explain that we are not meant to know everything, but rather to know how to find the information we need by tapping into the expertise of those around us. This concept challenges the traditional view of intelligence as a measure of individual knowledge and instead highlights the importance of social and environmental influences on cognitive performance. By emphasizing the importance of access over storage, Sloman and Fernbach suggest that intelligence is not a fixed trait, but rather a dynamic process of interaction between individuals and their social and physical surroundings. They argue that true intelligence lies in the ability to navigate this complex web of knowledge and expertise, rather than in the accumulation of facts and figures. This perspective shifts the focus from what we know to how we use what we know, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration in the development of cognitive skills.- The concept that intelligence lies in knowing how to access information, not in storing it, challenges traditional notions of cognition and emphasizes the role of social and environmental factors in shaping our intellectual abilities. By recognizing the interconnected nature of knowledge and expertise, we can better understand the true nature of intelligence and its reliance on our capacity to engage with the world around us.
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