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International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

197250

Intelligence as a conceptual construct

the philosophy of Plato and Pascal

Dana PrinciottaSam Goldstein

pp. 83-92

Abstract

This chapter presents the lives and ideas of whose work sets an integral foundation for our current conceptualizations of intelligence. Plato and Pascal's speculation for the love of Wisdom offered hundreds of years ago—the former originating in France and the latter in Greece, remain vibrant today. Plato provided foundations for the future of mathematics, reason, morals, equality, science, and nature. Western society has inherited Plato's teachings of the physical body and the immortal soul, which has provided support for the prominent world religions including Jewish, Christian, and Islamic studies. Plato's teachings are imperative to our modern construction of intelligence, making him a prominent figure for educators, historians, and scientists to study. Pascal reveals his thoughts on intelligence and reason in Pensées. Pensées was considered to be one of Pascal's greatest contributions. As a philosopher, Pascal initiated important discussions regarding intelligence and the acquisition of knowledge. He accomplished much in his 39 years as a philosopher. Pascal has challenged us to better understand and weight the merits of both reason and religion (Rogalsky, Blaise Pascal–mathematician, mystic, disciple. J Assoc Christ Math Sci, 2006). Both men produced important contributions and philosophies to the concepts of intelligence.

Publication details

Published in:

Goldstein Sam, Princiotta Dana, Naglieri Jack A. (2015) Handbook of intelligence: evolutionary theory, historical perspective, and current concepts. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 83-92

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1562-0_6

Full citation:

Princiotta Dana, Goldstein Sam (2015) „Intelligence as a conceptual construct: the philosophy of Plato and Pascal“, In: S. Goldstein, D. Princiotta & J. A. Naglieri (eds.), Handbook of intelligence, Dordrecht, Springer, 83–92.