Future Bright: A Transforming Vision of Human Intelligence

Martinez first considers a seemingly simple question. What is intelligence? Examining some of the most fascinating stories in the history of cognitive science reveals the ways our ideas about intelligence have been shaped. Current research asks, “Is intelligence just one thing? Or are there many different ways of being intelligent?” For answers, we turn to the seat of intelligence, the brain. From the search for Einstein’s brain to the curious case of a railroad worker whose frontal lobe was pierced by a tamping iron, researchers have sought to understand more about intelligence by understanding more about this mysterious organ. How do physical structures relate to how we think? How are memories made? How do the brain and the mind relate to one another?

Finally, Future Bright explores the provocative finding from recent cognitive science research that intelligence can be learned. Genetics play only one part in an individual’s intelligence potential. It is that part that is influenced by the environment that is most interesting, however, because if intelligence can be learned, then it can be taught. Future Bright explores ways that the environment and educational contexts can influence the growth of a more intelligent society – one that will lead us into a brighter future indeed.