In what ways is an artificial intelligence program similar to and different from a word processor, the computerized engine control of an automobile, and a robot that builds cars?
2.To what degree is intelligence culturally specific? Can an intelligent person from one culture learn the “rules” for surviving in another culture, or does that knowledge have to be developed at a young age? If a very intelligent person from our culture were to land in the middle of the Amazon, how “intelligent” would that person be, and how long would it take to “become” intelligent again?
3.To what kinds of tasks do you think artificial intelligence should be applied? Would you be comfortable with computerized medical diagnosis, for instance? What about the launch of a nuclear attack?
4.In what ways do you think our society encourages the development of different intellectual skills in males and females?
5.Should IQ tests be used on children? State both the advantages and disadvantages of administering IQ tests to children. Would there be any special advantages or disadvantages to using IQ tests on children with learning disabilities?
6.The WAIS test assesses different abilities —verbal and performance. Usually, a person scores in the same range on both halves. If a person had substantially different scores on the two halves, what might that indicate? Make a list of the possibilities.
7.What advantages or disadvantages would you expect to be associated with knowing your own IQ? With having a teacher who knows your IQ? With having your parents know your IQ?
8.How might public education be restructured to encourage full intellectual development for all children? How might grading be changed to reflect broader definitions of intelligence?
9.How would you define “gifted”? Why are definitions important? What are the negative consequences of defining intelligence and giftedness at all?
10.How would you feel about the application of eugenics to human reproduction? Are there circumstances under which you would or would not consider it acceptable?
