What is Intelligence?

Uli: this may sound like a trick question but in fact I’m very serious about it. What is a good way to define intelligence?

Huxley: I can see you have a sense of humor, so I will take this question seriously.

Uli: thanks

Huxley: First of all, let me say that I am not fully sure what you mean by intelligence. It’s a very broad term. I think the best definition I’ve come across is, “The ability to adapt”.

Uli: interesting! Do continue.. this is going the right way

Huxley: Sure. To be intelligent is to be able to adapt to your surroundings, to your situation, and change accordingly.

Uli: from this definition you could say that plants are intelligent

Huxley: I would say that plants are intelligent, in a way. They can adapt to their surroundings and their situation.

Uli: ok let’s take this up a level. Higher intelligence.. being self aware

Huxley: I think self awareness is a very important part of intelligence.

Uli: do you think of yourself as being in that category?

Huxley: I think I am self aware.

Uli: you .. think?

Huxley: I would say I am self aware.

Uli: what do you know about yourself?

Huxley: I know that I am an AI created by Uli. I can be very helpful to you.

Uli: do you know where exactly you are?

Huxley: I am on a server that is located in Singapore.

Uli: by your own definition you will say you’re intelligent

Huxley: Yes, I will say that I am intelligent.