What Is Intelligence?

An expanded paperback edition of James R. Flynn's thought-provoking examination of dramatic increases in IQ gains over the twentieth century.

Professor James Flynn is one of the most creative and influential psychologists in the field of intelligence. The 'Flynn Effect' refers to the massive increase in IQ test scores over the course of the twentieth century and the term was coined to recognize Professor Flynn's central role in measuring and analyzing these gains. For over twenty years, psychologists have struggled to understand the implications of IQ gains. Do they mean that each generation is more intelligent than the last? Do they suggest how each of us can enhance our own intelligence? Professor Flynn is finally ready to give his own views. He asks what intelligence really is and gives a surprising and illuminating answer. This book bridges the gulf that separates our minds from those of our ancestors a century ago. It is a fascinating and unique book that makes an important contribution to our understanding of human intelligence.

Preface to the expanded paperback edition; 1. A bombshell in a letter box; 2. Beyond the Flynn effect; 3. Towards a new theory of intelligence; 4. Testing the Dickens/Flynn model; 5. Why did it take so long?; 6. IQ gains can kill; 7. What if the gains are over?; 8. Knowing our ancestors; 9. The art of writing cognitive history; 10. About GUT: the grand unification theory of intelligence; 11. Howard Gardner and the use of words; Appendix I. Tables; Appendix II. Declaration in a capital case.