171 - Richard Haier: What Is Human Intelligence?

Richard Haier is Professor Emeritus in the School of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, where he uses brain imagining and the tools of neuroscience to study learning, memory, and intelligence, and how they relate to brain function and structure. He is the editor-in-chief of the journal Intelligence. In this episode, Robinson and Rich discuss all things human intelligence, ranging from its controversies, the origin and current status of psychometric testing, the relationship between intelligence, brain structure, and function, the predictive power of IQ in career success and other areas, and whether or not it’s possible to increase one’s general intelligence. Rich’s most recent book is the second edition of his guide to neuroscience research and intelligence, The Neuroscience of Intelligence (Cambridge University Press, 2023). Richard’s Website: https://www.richardhaier.com The Neuroscience of Intelligence: https://a.co/d/c7aO9aK OUTLINE 00:00 In This Episode… 01:06 Introduction 02:50 Intelligence, Psychometrics, and the Brain  12:01 The Controversy about Race and Intelligence Research 21:09 How Should We Define Human Intelligence? 26:36 On The Origin and Value of IQ Tests 32:16 Intelligence and Brain Structure 46:05 How Accurate Are Contemporary IQ Tests Like? 57:16 Are IQ Tests Racist? 01:03:47 Should We Abolish Standardized Tests? 01:13:34 Do IQ Tests Predict Career Success? 01:17:05 The Parieto-Frontal Integration Theory of Intelligence 01:34:25 Psychometric Tests and Human Intelligence 01:41:10 Group Differences and IQ 01:46:53 Can You Increase Your IQ?  Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between.