ABSTRACT
This chapter gives a brief overview of the history of intelligence as a field of enquiry, emphasising the psychosocial aspects of this. It introduces the defining of intelligence, both academically and colloquially, and explains why intelligence is difficult to talk about and has come to be so controversial, including its ignominious association with eugenics. Two main psychometric, and two main sociocultural, theories of intelligence are outlined. Methods of measuring intelligence and potential future developments in this are discussed. How IQ tests originated, how they work, their pragmatic uses, and criticisms are presented. The historiometric approach to quantifying genius is explained. It is argued that in everyday life as well as in professional contexts an appraisal of intelligence rests on a perception which is always relative and might not be accurate; that intelligence is understood to be a trait; that a capability is only labelled intelligent if it is esteemed; and therefore that an appraisal of intelligence is not neutral. It is pointed out that a lot of data we have on intelligence does not distinguish the range that comprises extreme intelligence/giftedness. It is concluded that all these factors influence how individuals who manifest extreme intelligence are treated.
