CISS Nature Discovery Theory on Classification of Intelligence (CNDT-CoI) proposes a classification system for intelligence exhibited by humans, animals, and machines. The theory classifies intelligence into 5 categories:

1. Basic or General Intelligence.
2. Complex Intelligence.
3. Advanced Intelligence.
4. Extraordinary Intelligence (Hypothesis: Superintelligence).
5. Artificial Intelligence.

Category 1 emphasizes on animals, categories 2-4 associates with humans, and category 5 on machines and robots. Here is a deep explanation of this classification:

1. Basic or General Intelligence

A fundamental level of intelligence. This category applies to basic survival instincts, simple problem-solving, and adaptation to immediate needs. For example, animals like chimpanzees use tools to crack nuts and even teach this behavior to their offspring (watch video), insects and birds build complex nests (watch video), and many other examples. These abilities showcase problem-solving abilities.

Animals can demonstrate basic and emotional intelligence. But they might not possess the same reasoning and language skills as humans. However, basic intelligence allows them to live in their environments.

Scientific References

• Chimpanzees using tools: Whiten, A., Horner, V., & Marshall-Pescini, S. (2005). “Selective imitation in child and chimpanzee: a window on the construal of others’ actions.” Social Cognition, 23(3), 322-340.

• Nest building in birds: Hansell, Michael Henry. (2000). Bird Nests and Construction Behaviour. Cambridge University Press, 2000.

2. Complex Intelligence (Humans)

Complex Intelligence builds upon basic intelligence. It includes the ability to learn, reason deeply, generate new ideas, be innovative or creative, and think outside the box. It is superior to the basic Intelligence animals possess and is typically associated with humans. This type of intelligence makes humans outsmart animals in many ways.

Scientific References – Complex Intelligence

• Kaufman, James C., and Robert J. Sternberg, eds. The Cambridge Handbook of Creativity. Cambridge University Press, 2006.

3. Advanced Intelligence (Humans)

Refers to intelligence that surpasses the average human intelligence range. It is also associated with humans and built on complex intelligence. But it is not expected from all human beings. Individuals with advanced intelligence might possess faster learning abilities, advanced problem-solving skills, or a higher level of creativity which goes beyond what most people can achieve through regular education and effort. Individuals with advanced intelligence can perform extremely well in specific areas and fall short in others.

Scientific References – Advanced Intelligence

• Sternberg, Robert J., and Janet E. Davidson, eds. Conceptions of Giftedness. Cambridge University Press, 2005.

4. Extraordinary Intelligence (Humans)

University of Oxford philosopher Nick Bostrom defines superintelligence as: “any intellect (or any clever person) that greatly exceeds the cognitive performance of humans in virtually all domains of interest“. This category hypothesizes the existence of superintelligence, where an individual or machine significantly surpasses human cognitive abilities in diverse fields.

Though currently theoretical, it opens up an understanding that, any Intellect or any clever person who exceeds the cognitive performance of humans in basically anything they are interested in can somehow be classified as having extraordinary intelligence. They perform exceptionally well, or in a way that exceeds the cognitive performance of humans in vast domains of interest.

There’s a special brain wiring that makes these Intelligent individuals perform extremely well in whatever they’re interested in, surpassing the expected performance of most humans at a young age.

For Example, an extra-intelligent individual can be extremely good at Physics, Artistic Skills, Musical Skills, and many other areas. Yet they might not be good at let’s say Mathematics. But the moment they become interested and focused on Mathematics, they can learn quickly and perform extremely well, surpassing the expected performance. And, not only Mathematics, the same thing applies to any topic or domain they are not good at but can be exceptional when focused.

Scientific References – Extraordinary Intelligence

• Historical Example, Leonardo da Vinci.
• Bostrom, Nick. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press, 2014.

5. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence demonstrated by machines. It is different from the natural intelligence displayed by humans and animals. There are many different subfields of AI, each focusing on a specific problem-solving technique. These include Machine learning, Natural language processing, Computer vision, Robotics, and more. This intelligence runs in self-driving cars, automated robots, and other sophisticated machines. For more information on AI, current advancements and future prospects in AI research – visit CISS AI Platform.

Hypothetical Forms of Intelligence

This concept explores the possibility of intelligence beyond our current understanding. These forms may include superintelligence, extraterrestrial intelligence (intelligence originating or existing beyond Earth and its atmosphere), or other forms of intelligence that exist in dimensions we are unable to perceive or understand.

Other References Related to CNDT-CoI

• IQ Classification – Wikipedia.

Application of Intelligence in these categories

Each of these intelligence categories displays the three key factors that constitute Intelligence. These are, learning, reasoning, and decision-making. However, some categories lack other core factors that prove true intelligence.

For example, as of now, Artificial Intelligence is incapable of genuine curiosity. While humans and animals have a drive to explore the world, understand new things, and generate unique ideas, AI lacks that powerful ability.

Also, humans are able to learn, reason, and critically think more deeply than animals. This makes us outsmart animals in numerous occasions.

In this research theory, we will focus more on the categories of intelligence that links to humans, the factors that constitute or influences Intelligence, and other vital info relating to human intelligence. The next article will explain further.