Webinar by Robert Sternberg for ESRAD Members on 13th January 2021
Time Bomb: How the Western Conception of Intelligence is Taking Down Humanity
In this talk, I will argue that the Western conception of intelligence is taking down humanity. Alfred Binet, the creator of the first intelligence test, recognized that intelligence is defined by adaptation to the environment. His main later competitor, David Wechsler, recognized the same thing. But as often happens, followers lose the main message of the founders. They see the trees but not the forest. In the rush for quantification, imitation of the hard sciences, and commercial profits, IQ testers have produced tests that measure only a small fraction of the abilities needed for successful adaptation to the environment. During the 20th century, IQs rose 30 points (the "Flynn effect"), and yet people with these higher IQs have degraded the environment in ways that have threatened not only their own lives but those of future generations. The higher IQs have also been useless in solving other serious problems, such as problems of weapons of mass destruction, violence, increasing income disparities, hunger, and prevention and coping with pandemics. The reason is that IQ tests measure kinds of problem-solving skills that are actually antithetical to the skills needed to solve serious worldwide problems. I propose in this talk a notion of adaptive intelligence--going back to how intelligence was originally conceived of--and show how it can be assessed and developed.
ESRAD ONLINE CONFERENCE 2021 - CALL FOR PROPOSALS
This renewed call for proposals is for all scholars and practitioners who are engaging in research and practice that is advancing our understanding of adult development. We welcome proposals from all branches of the behavioural and social sciences, and from practitioners working with adults to enhance development and personal growth.
The conference was originally meant to be held in April 2020 but was postponed one year. Due to the continual uncertainty with regards to Covid-19 we have decided to carry through with the conference in an entirely online format. The details can be found below.
With this renewed call for proposal we welcome new submissions in addition to those who have already been accepted. We encourage the authors of these accepted submissions to resubmit updated versions of the already accepted proposals, as well as submit a new proposal for review. Authors who wish to keep their accepted version of the proposal need to send a confirmation to remain as a contributor.
The three key topics of focus for the conference are:
In addition to the above key themes, submissions are invited that are relevant to adult development more generally. This conference is being organized in the spirit of open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. To this end, presenters are being asked to consider opportunities for audience participation and interaction. Also, presenters have the option to propose an innovative session that steps beyond the boundaries of a typical academic presentation.
The conference was originally meant to be held in April 2020 but was postponed one year. Due to the continual uncertainty with regards to Covid-19 we have decided to carry through with the conference in an entirely online format. The details can be found below.
With this renewed call for proposal we welcome new submissions in addition to those who have already been accepted. We encourage the authors of these accepted submissions to resubmit updated versions of the already accepted proposals, as well as submit a new proposal for review. Authors who wish to keep their accepted version of the proposal need to send a confirmation to remain as a contributor.
The three key topics of focus for the conference are:
- Adult development in relation to education and adult learning
- Adult development in organisations
- Action research and intervention
In addition to the above key themes, submissions are invited that are relevant to adult development more generally. This conference is being organized in the spirit of open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. To this end, presenters are being asked to consider opportunities for audience participation and interaction. Also, presenters have the option to propose an innovative session that steps beyond the boundaries of a typical academic presentation.
About ESRAD
ESRAD is a non-profit, scientific organization, whose aim is to promote, discuss and help publish research and theory on adult development. Our members include people from all disciplines who are interested in adult development. Our focus is on expanded capabilities and changes that improve the quality of life. Research and discussion within the field include the topics like wisdom, cognitive and moral development, therapy, adult education, political development, societal and spiritual development. Both empirical and theoretical research are encouraged.