Chapter 1: The Flawed Framework of Assessing Intelligence

Imagine being tasked with establishing a system to evaluate the most deserving humans for privileges such as wealth, rights, and housing. The criteria would likely reflect personal preferences, prioritizing traits that mirror my own, such as:

• An affinity for reading and writing
• Valuing historical knowledge
• Environmental awareness
• Enjoying outdoor activities
• Skill in military-strategy video games
• Culinary talents

In essence, if I were to design this evaluation, it would seek out individuals who resemble me, ultimately leading to my self-proclamation as the most deserving human among a select few like-minded individuals.

This approach raises serious concerns. Firstly, establishing a test to determine who should have greater rights is fundamentally flawed. We should recognize that modern democracy hinges on the principle of equality among all citizens, irrespective of their IQ, wealth, age, or other distinctions.

Secondly, my criteria would be inherently biased. Assuming my own preferences are superior, I would favor those who share my interests, potentially overlooking the value of diverse abilities and experiences. This arbitrary system could never effectively govern a society.

Chapter 2: Misunderstanding Animal Intelligence

The way we evaluate intelligence in other species often mirrors this flawed logic. Historically, humans have equated intelligence with value, believing in a "ladder of nature" that places us at the pinnacle. This belief, dating back to the ancient Greeks, leads us to measure all life against our own capabilities.

Such an approach guarantees that we will never acknowledge another species as being more intelligent than ourselves and fosters a significant misunderstanding of what animal intelligence entails. Our discussions about intelligent animals frequently focus on traits that impress us, such as:

• Octopuses solving puzzles
• Birds using tools
• Chimpanzees learning to cook
• Bees demonstrating counting abilities
• Pigs recognizing shapes

These interpretations hold substantial implications. Conservation efforts often hinge on the perceived intelligence of certain species, leading to moral dilemmas. For instance, some choose to abstain from eating pork due to pigs being deemed "smarter than 3-year-old children," while chickens or fish, perceived as less intelligent, remain acceptable food sources. This perspective inherently ties the worth of a species to its similarity to humans.

To challenge this notion, researchers studying animal cognition propose alternative frameworks. Notably, Frans de Waal’s book, Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?, advocates for a less egocentric view of intelligence. He argues that "animal intelligence" is not a singular measure but encompasses various forms adapted to different environments.

De Waal asserts that qualities we consider uniquely human—language, self-awareness, tool use, and culture—are also found in many animals. This revelation invites us to reconsider our significance in the natural world.

For example, judging a squirrel based on its counting abilities is unreasonable since counting is not integral to its existence. Instead, squirrels excel in spatial awareness, adeptly storing and retrieving nuts from numerous hiding spots—an impressive skill that highlights their unique intelligence.

Additionally, comprehending the intelligence of species unlike us poses further challenges. Our perception is often limited to visual experiences. How might an animal that primarily relies on smell or hearing interpret intelligence? Consider how an octopus, with its eight flexible limbs, perceives us—creatures bound to a terrestrial existence, with limited movement capabilities.

It’s also crucial to question the long-term wisdom of our brand of intelligence. Is our ability to exploit the environment, ultimately jeopardizing our survival and that of countless other species, genuinely intelligent?

Ultimately, the quest to "measure" animal intelligence may be an exercise in futility, reflecting our solipsistic tendencies. Broadening our understanding of intelligence could enhance our appreciation for other species and illuminate our role within the ecosystem.

In the video titled "What Animal Intelligence Reveals About Human Stupidity," Justin Gregg explores the often misguided ways we evaluate intelligence in animals, challenging our assumptions and perspectives.

Another insightful video, "Rethinking Thinking: How Intelligent Are Other Animals?" delves into the complexities of animal cognition and the various forms of intelligence that exist beyond human comparison.