Adaptive Intelligence: Surviving and Thriving in Times of Uncertainty
Abstract
Adaptive Intelligence is a dramatic reappraisal and reframing of the concept of human intelligence. In a sweeping analysis, Robert J. Sternberg argues that we are using a fatally-flawed, outdated conception of intelligence; one which may promote technological advancement, but which has also accelerated climate change, pollution, the use of weaponry, and inequality. Instead of focusing on the narrow academic skills measured by standardized tests, societies should teach and assess adaptive intelligence, defined as the use of collective talent in service of the common good. This book describes why the outdated notion of intelligence persists, what adaptive intelligence is, and how it could lead humankind on a more positive path.
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Analytical/critical thinking, creative thinking, and wisdom are essential elements in a broad theory of intellect.
“They are essential elements in a broad theory of intellect (Sternberg, 2021).”
From Human Intelligence, Creativity, and Wisdom in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence (2025) · cites this paper as Sternberg, 2021
Expertise is developed through genuine experience and reflection on experience, not merely by knowledge acquisition or copying of others' materials.
“Expertise is developed through genuine experience and reflection on experience, not merely by knowledge acquisition or copying of others’ materials (Sternberg, 2021).”
From Human Intelligence, Creativity, and Wisdom in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence (2025) · cites this paper as Sternberg, 2021
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Self-citation
- Authors
- Sternberg, R. J.
- Affiliations
- Cornell University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Sternberg, Robert J.
- ORCID
- Sternberg, Robert J.
- Venue
- Cambridge University Press eBooks
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Published
- 2021-01-21
- OpenAlex
- W4210783372
- Cited by
- 117
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 19 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 23 · 2022: 32 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 1
- FWCI
- 23.99
- Type
- book
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Cambridge University Press eBooks (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Creativity in Education and Neuroscience
- Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Intelligence, Security, War Strategy
- Keywords
- adaptive intelligence, human intelligence, standardized testing, common good, educational reform, intelligence assessment, climate change, inequality, technological progress
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