the origins of the concept of intelligence:
an epistemological tour from the classical
world until the age of enlightenment
The concept of intelligence
has a rich and complex
history that spans from the classical world to the
Age of Enlightenment. This epistemological tour will
provide an overview of how the understanding of
intelligence evolved during this period.**Classical Antiquity ( 5 th century BCE - 5 th century
CE):** In the classical world, the concept of
intelligence was closely tied to philosophy. Ancient
Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle,
explored the nature of human cognition. Plato
believed that intelligence was innate and that
individuals possessed a pre-existing knowledge that
needed to be recollected through learning.
Aristotle, on the other hand, emphasized
observation and empirical study as the basis for
understanding the world. He considered
intelligence as the ability to reason and learn from
experience.**Medieval Period ( 5 th century - 15 th century
CE):** During the medieval period, the Christian
Church played a significant role in shaping the
concept of intelligence. Scholars like Thomas
Aquinas merged the teachings of Aristotle with
Christian theology. They viewed intelligence as a
divine gift that allowed humans to understand and
connect with God's creation. The medieval
university system, with its focus on theology and
scholasticism, also contributed to the development
of intellectual abilities.