Human Intelligence, Will, and Societal Concepts Defined

Classified in Philosophy and ethics

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Understanding Human Intelligence and Behavior

Human intelligence is defined by the ability to manage behavior effectively using information to solve novel problems.

  • Managing Performance: We cannot act intelligently if we are incapable of directing our behavior, which is often driven by desires and fears.
  • Making the Right Choice: This involves making the right choice and acting effectively.
  • Using Information: We must seek and utilize relevant information.
  • Solving Novel Problems: Practical problems are more complicated because, besides finding the solution, we must implement it, which is often the hardest part.

Status and Freedom in Society

We are social beings; we need to live together. We are born immature and need to learn almost everything. Fortunately, we possess an uncanny ability to assimilate knowledge. This shapes how individuals are perceived in society.

Freedom is directly related to our ability to act. We are free and can direct our behavior in two ways: because we want to do it, or because we believe it is good to do it, making it our duty and responsibility.

The Power of Will and Decision-Making

Will is the ability to make responsible decisions, knowing what we do and anticipating their consequences. Thanks to our will, we are free. To exercise our will, we have to give ourselves orders and obey them, even though it's hard work.

  • Stopping Impulse: The desire to push us towards something.
  • Deliberation: Through deliberation, we consider the best options.
  • Making Decisions: Some are very indecisive at times, either because nothing seems interesting enough or because they lack the courage to decide.
  • Supporting Effort and Deferring Reward: Once a decision is made, it must be put into practice, which is sometimes very difficult.

Key Societal and Legal Terms Defined

Genocide

The systematic extermination of a group of people for reasons of race, religion, or politics. The Nazis launched the genocide of the Jewish people.

Stoning

Throwing stones at someone to kill them. Saint Stephen was sentenced to death by stoning for blasphemy.

Terrorism

A violent form of political struggle through which it seeks the destruction of the established order to create a climate of fear and insecurity. Terrorism is a scourge of modern society.

Death Penalty

Punishment imposed by the authority on someone who has committed a crime, causing death. A person was sentenced to death for being gay.

Abolition

Repeal or annulment of a law, rule, or custom. He advocated for the abolition of the death penalty.

Murder

Deliberate or premeditated killing. Marta's murder is under suspicion, with her own father being a suspect.

Homicide

Death caused by one person to another. It was a first-degree homicide.

Crucifixion

An old method of execution where the condemned is tied or nailed to a cross. The Crucifixion of Saint Peter by Caravaggio.

Death Row

A term used for a section of a prison to house people awaiting execution. There are 52 women on death row in the United States.

Amnesty International (AI)

A humanitarian organization (NGO) that works to promote human rights. The Church withdrew support for Amnesty International due to its stance on abortion.

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