Re: virus: Second Class Netzizens

Paul Prestopnik (pjp66259@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu)
Fri, 13 Mar 1998 13:31:04 -0500


Gifford, Nate F wrote:

> I think we can accept that articulation and intelligence are orthogonal ...
> Certainly the memetic Gods never graced ME with the ability to produce a
> trenchant post ... and I refuse to accept that I'm a dummy as a corollary.

Actually this was the only part of your post I disagreed with. I do think that
articulation and intelligence are related, but I think you and I would disagree
on the definition of intelligence, not how the ability to articulate relates to
your mental acumen. I would define ingelligence to include the ability to
clearly communicate (both to yourself and others) what you are thinking on all
levels. Therefore I can't say they are unrelated. I'm sure your definition of
intelligence is different (I have my own theories on intelligence which we could
go into, but thats getting even farther off topic), and that is the problem.
Intelligence is not a clearly defined word, even IQ is not completely
unambiguous (different tests, etc.).
Other than that, I pretty much agree with you. Computers and the internet are
complicated but powerful paradigms. Although intelligence does play a part in
how quickly someone can master a new paradigm, simple time and experience play a
greater role for the average person. (and in that last sentance I meant
intelligence to include basically the ability for a person to shift
perspectives.. yes I know in essence I said that those good at mastering new
paradigms can quickly master a new paradigm.. but that's precisely what I
meant.)

Paul Prestopnik