Intelligence is a Game We Play
Summary
Defines “game” against Wittgenstein’s family resemblance critique: Game = interactive process where strategy (deliberate selection among alternatives toward preferred outcomes) is salient. Four elements: agency, strategy, interaction, goals. Then defines intelligence = effectiveness at achieving goals within a game’s constraints. Different intelligences = proficiency in different implicit games (career, social, scientific). Solves general vs domain-specific intelligence debates by recognizing context-dependence. Responds to Wittgenstein by embracing abstraction—captures strategic core without enumerating rules. Practical: clarifies intelligence measurement, AI evaluation, educational goals.
Tags
Cross-References
- Related: Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations, game theory [external]
Notes
- Philosophical but practical
- Solves classic Wittgenstein puzzle via abstraction
- Useful for AI alignment discussions
- Clean definitions enable precise reasoning