How high intelligence influences scientific progress

In my last post, I wrote that people with very high intelligence often find themselves having to explain their thought processes, even when they seem completely clear to them. This is precisely where the challenge lies: making complex thought processes understandable, not only to the general public, but also within the scientific community.

Intelligence as a driver of knowledge

High intelligence promotes three skills in particular in science:

  • Pattern recognition: Those who discover connections in complex data where others see only randomness lay the foundation for new theories.
  • Abstraction: Complex phenomena can be translated into models that can be scientifically processed.
  • Problem solving beyond the norm: New methods or theories emerge when one leaves familiar paths of thought – high cognitive flexibility and originality are crucial here.

Where these talents are particularly needed

  • Mathematics and theoretical physics: Abstraction and logical rigor are central here.
  • Philosophy and logic: Precise thinking and the art of argumentation are indispensable.
  • Computer science and artificial intelligence: Abstracting systems and formally describing pattern, a classic domain of highly intelligent thinkers.
  • Theoretical biology, chemistry, economics: Systems with many variables require the ability to penetrate complexity.
  • Interdisciplinary research: Many innovations arise at the interfaces. Those who can draw connections between subjects are particularly effective in advancing science.

The second half of the task

But intelligence alone is not enough. Just as in everyday life, a thought that cannot be communicated remains worthless. That is why highly intelligent scientists must learn to translate their ideas into understandable language, clear models, and comprehensible evidence. Only then can individual insights become collective progress.

Conclusion

High intelligence is an important fuel for scientific progress. But it only has an effect when paired with communication skills. Only then can brilliant ideas give rise to insights that advance our society.

Claus D. Volko (with ChatGPT)

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