Why do people who aren’t good at math claim to also be intelligent?

Question

If you aren’t good at math, you cannot claim to be intelligent. It’s that simple. Math requires that you know how to logically apply concepts, which is the core of intelligence. If you cannot do that, you cannot claim that you are intelligent in the slightest. I also cannot do math well, but I also don’t claim that I’m intelligent.

Answer 1

NamerOfStars | 92 opinions shared on Education & Career topic.

Guru

Because they often are. Anything beyond basic arithmetic requires accepting ideas without logical explanations as to why. That's not intelligence; it's faith. You have four apples and I give you three more, how many do you have? I take away one, how many do you have? If you take that number and have three groups of that size, how many apples do you have? If you divide that number into two groups, how many groups are there? Simple, direct, and logical.

Now suppose you have 14,627 apples and need to make 283.4 equally sized groups. Then comes long division, which has absolutely direct derivation from reality. It's nothing more than a series of arcane and esoteric processes. Does it produce the correct answer? Yes. But it has nothing to do with logic.

A positive number squared gives a positive result. A negative number squared gives a positive result. Logically, no negative number can have a square root. Mathematically, we have the constant "i", the square root of negative one, which logic tells us cannot exist.

There is definitely a strong logical component to math, but the farther you go from the basics, the more you veer away from logic and into the territory of faith. If you question the logic behind it, you'll rarely get anything more than "that's just the way it works".

This is a problem because intelligence is not simply the application of logic, it's also the ability to think critically. If you can't do that, you have no business calling yourself intelligent, REGARDLESS of your mathematical ability.

Answer 2

jahaims | 95 opinions shared on Education & Career topic.

Explorer

Intelligence isn't scaler. I would consider someone who is happy in life more intelligent than someone who is small minded and good at math. Intelligence is how good you are at navigating through life and getting to where you want to go with the least amount of obstacles. I would consider someone that could build a car from scratch more intelligent than someone who could do advance calculus. There are tons of practical life skills that require little understanding of math that would make you more intelligent than someone who can only crunch numbers. You spoke about logic. The statement that you aren't considered intelligent without being good at math is an illogical statement. Some of the best thinkers in history were philosophers. You do not need math for deep philosophical thinking. You need logic and reasoning.

Asker

28 d
Philosophy barely requires intelligence. Everyone claims that they are a philosopher and I promise you everyone is not intelligent. Intelligence requires that you logically apply concepts. An IQ test consists of pattern recognization, sequencing, and logical analysis. All of which are needed in math. Someone who “gets through life” is not always intelligent. Happiness doesn’t equate to intelligence. If you aren’t building rocket ships, coding the latest and greatest software, finding new exoplanets and black holes, etc.. then you cannot claim that you are truly intelligent. All other forms of intelligence are just coping mechanisms.
jahaims

28 d
You can stick to your way of life and I will stick to mine. One involves love and happiness while the other one does not. Since you are so intelligent I believe you will be able to figure out who is who.
Asker

28 d
Love and happiness are temporary and corny. One should strive for high production levels and new creation.
Show All Show Less
msc545

27 d
THE OP IS A TROLL

Answer 3

Asker

Philosophy barely requires intelligence. Everyone claims that they are a philosopher and I promise you everyone is not intelligent. Intelligence requires that you logically apply concepts. An IQ test consists of pattern recognization, sequencing, and logical analysis. All of which are needed in math. Someone who “gets through life” is not always intelligent. Happiness doesn’t equate to intelligence. If you aren’t building rocket ships, coding the latest and greatest software, finding new exoplanets and black holes, etc.. then you cannot claim that you are truly intelligent. All other forms of intelligence are just coping mechanisms.

Answer 4

jahaims

You can stick to your way of life and I will stick to mine. One involves love and happiness while the other one does not. Since you are so intelligent I believe you will be able to figure out who is who.

Answer 5

Asker

Love and happiness are temporary and corny. One should strive for high production levels and new creation.

Answer 6

msc545

THE OP IS A TROLL

Answer 7

jazzygirl0826

Xper 4

I do agree that being good at math is a large component of being intelligent, but it's not just about math. Some people are incredible at everything else (history, English, Science), but they just can't do math. They're still intelligent people, just intelligent people who aren't good at math. Academics aren't the only thing that makes someone smart. Many people who aren't good in school can think logically, and in a way that can/will get them far in life. In my opinion, to be intelligent is to be capable of making difficult, abstract opinions, thoughts, and connections.

Asker

28 d
If they aren't good at math, then they aren't intelligent. Science largely requires a good understanding of math, hence why science and mathematics usually go hand in hand. History and English is a matter of memorization, which isn't intelligence and therefore isn't impressive or important to advancing our society. These are the type of people who buy from the high IQ people because they don't have the IQ to create they complex items theirselves.

Those who aren't good at school cannot also claim to have a high IQ. If they try and struggle to do well, then how can they be intelligent? I also struggle to understand physics and calculus. How would that also make me intelligent? Intelligent people wouldn't have a tough time in school. If they care about school, they become valedictorians and graduate with honors.
jazzygirl0826

28 d
Not all smart people graduate as valedictorian; there are multiple smart people in a graduating class. history and English require one to think deeper, not memorization. Grammar is memorization, but that is a small portion of English. Your argument about history being memorization is more valid, but not correct. Sure, 2nd grade history has you memorizing dates, but once you get to higher education history classes they aren't about certain dates so much as people's perspectives as to why things happened. For example, my sister, a biochem and history major, wrote a thesis for one of her history classes about ringworm being more prevalent in the south during the Civil War, making those from the south less intelligent. That has nothing to do with memorization. I think your argument isn't valid.

On another note, are you okay? Did someone make fun of your intelligence? It seems like you have an obsession with that. I'm not trying to hurt your feelings by saying this, but if you want you can message me to talk about it. :)
Asker

27 d
Smart people graduate with high GPAs (if they care about school). I refuse to give people a participation trophy for being “smart” by just graduating high school or college.

History and English are literally the easiest subjects for me because it requires no logical analysis. I could sleep in either of those classes and get an A simply because of how easy it is. Even though I can do this, I am not intelligent. Why? Because I cannot logically apply complex concepts. Neither of those subjects you listed were complex. Research projects are literally laughable. I’ve never scored anything below an 88% on a research paper because it’s incredibly easy (I average probably around a 95%). Even though I can do that, I am STILL not intelligent. Why? Because there is no logical application.

I am perfectly fine. I’m not trying to come across as bitter or emotional. I’m just trying to explain why other subjects are not intelligent subjects. The only intelligent subjects are those that involve STEM.
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jazzygirl0826

25 d
You, clearly, don't see the value in those subjects. I see them as teaching others they ways of thinking about perspectives. Writing research papers are lame, I'll give you that. Did you never have class discussions about books in high school? No Shakespeare?
Asker

24 d
Yes I’ve discussed numerous Shakespeare plays like Hamlet and Macbeth. It really wasn’t that hard to understand (although I forget what both of them were about because it was such a long time ago.) Those subjects are easy. Having an imagination takes no intelligence.
jazzygirl0826

23 d
I'm not going to argue with you anymore. ¿Hablas español?
Asker

23 d
Si. Estudié español por cinco años. Aunque quieres cambiar el tema de este conversación, no puedes decir que IQ no es importante. Inglés y historia no son importantes porque hay muy fáciles.
jazzygirl0826

23 d
Depende de la persona. Mucha gente piensa que las humanidades son fáciles, pero mucha gente piensa que son difíciles, también. En la escuela, todos los temas eran fáciles para mí, pero sé gente que era inteligente que ni comprendió las humanidades pero comprendió las matemáticas o las ciencias.

Answer 8

Asker

If they aren't good at math, then they aren't intelligent. Science largely requires a good understanding of math, hence why science and mathematics usually go hand in hand. History and English is a matter of memorization, which isn't intelligence and therefore isn't impressive or important to advancing our society. These are the type of people who buy from the high IQ people because they don't have the IQ to create they complex items theirselves.

Those who aren't good at school cannot also claim to have a high IQ. If they try and struggle to do well, then how can they be intelligent? I also struggle to understand physics and calculus. How would that also make me intelligent? Intelligent people wouldn't have a tough time in school. If they care about school, they become valedictorians and graduate with honors.

Answer 9

jazzygirl0826

Not all smart people graduate as valedictorian; there are multiple smart people in a graduating class. history and English require one to think deeper, not memorization. Grammar is memorization, but that is a small portion of English. Your argument about history being memorization is more valid, but not correct. Sure, 2nd grade history has you memorizing dates, but once you get to higher education history classes they aren't about certain dates so much as people's perspectives as to why things happened. For example, my sister, a biochem and history major, wrote a thesis for one of her history classes about ringworm being more prevalent in the south during the Civil War, making those from the south less intelligent. That has nothing to do with memorization. I think your argument isn't valid.

On another note, are you okay? Did someone make fun of your intelligence? It seems like you have an obsession with that. I'm not trying to hurt your feelings by saying this, but if you want you can message me to talk about it. :)

Answer 10

Asker

Smart people graduate with high GPAs (if they care about school). I refuse to give people a participation trophy for being “smart” by just graduating high school or college.

History and English are literally the easiest subjects for me because it requires no logical analysis. I could sleep in either of those classes and get an A simply because of how easy it is. Even though I can do this, I am not intelligent. Why? Because I cannot logically apply complex concepts. Neither of those subjects you listed were complex. Research projects are literally laughable. I’ve never scored anything below an 88% on a research paper because it’s incredibly easy (I average probably around a 95%). Even though I can do that, I am STILL not intelligent. Why? Because there is no logical application.

I am perfectly fine. I’m not trying to come across as bitter or emotional. I’m just trying to explain why other subjects are not intelligent subjects. The only intelligent subjects are those that involve STEM.

Answer 11

jazzygirl0826

You, clearly, don't see the value in those subjects. I see them as teaching others they ways of thinking about perspectives. Writing research papers are lame, I'll give you that. Did you never have class discussions about books in high school? No Shakespeare?

Answer 12

Asker

Yes I’ve discussed numerous Shakespeare plays like Hamlet and Macbeth. It really wasn’t that hard to understand (although I forget what both of them were about because it was such a long time ago.) Those subjects are easy. Having an imagination takes no intelligence.

Answer 13

jazzygirl0826

I'm not going to argue with you anymore. ¿Hablas español?

Answer 14

Asker

Si. Estudié español por cinco años. Aunque quieres cambiar el tema de este conversación, no puedes decir que IQ no es importante. Inglés y historia no son importantes porque hay muy fáciles.

Answer 15

jazzygirl0826

Depende de la persona. Mucha gente piensa que las humanidades son fáciles, pero mucha gente piensa que son difíciles, también. En la escuela, todos los temas eran fáciles para mí, pero sé gente que era inteligente que ni comprendió las humanidades pero comprendió las matemáticas o las ciencias.

Answer 16

RyzaStout

Xper 5

You can be intelligent and not be good at maths. There are different types of intelligence too such as; logical-mathmatical (being good at maths), existential (philosophers), interpersonal (therapists), body-kinestheic (athletes), linguistic (authors), intra-personal, spatial (mechanics), naturalist (biologists), musical (musicians). If you want to take IQ tests to be a determination of intelligence they don't have many mathematical questions and most are pattern and logic based, so going by this maths isn't that important in figuring out how intelligent someone is.

Asker

28 d
The IQ test is the most important determinate of human intelligence. You're right about there being no math on an IQ test, however the concepts that are used in the IQ test are easily applied in math. All the other forms of intelligence you mentioned aren't even remotely close to mattering in the real world. You simply named entertainers (athletes, authors, and musicians) and skill sets that are unimportant in the advancement of society. Anyone can be a philosopher. Almost everyone claims to be a "philosopher" because they thought about life more deeply than usual while they were taking a shower. It isn't impressive. Therapists are important, but not necessary for the advancement of our society, spatial and naturalistic intelligence are barely important.

All in all, intelligence only refers to people who an actually bring about change by applying complex structures and equations. All other forms of intelligence are just coping mechanisms for those who are forced to watch the high IQ revolutionize our world.
RyzaStout

28 d
You do know even some of the most well known scientists and inventors struggled at maths? www.mentalfloss.com/.../6-famous-scientists-and-inventors-who-struggled-math

Also, more than just maths is important for society. If all forms of art ceased to exist there would be no more paintings, no more tv, no more films, no more books, no more posters or advertisements, nothing visual or written on the Internet. If writing, reading, and everything but maths became obsolete maths would be the only thing to be done. People like therapists and psychologists help people to understand humans, the way we live, and there are many branches of psychology some that help solve crime, help with law, help to prevent crime, help sell things so people will buy things etc. If people, like philosophers, stop thinking so deeply and imagining new things there would be no more inventions and no new thoughts. Maths is important but it's not everything.
Asker

28 d
Art is not a necessity. Writing is more important, but creative writing and other forms of aren’t are not important. They are only used as entertainment. Humans can live without movies and paintings. No intelligence is required to understand the arts. Therefore, it’s not impressive nor needed in advancing our world.

Therapists and psychologists don’t use any sort of intelligence. I could fall asleep in those courses and still ace the classes because they require no logical analysis. Instead, they require that you understand humans emotionally, which is boring and unimportant to our advancement. If you simply don’t have the IQ to be able to aid society with new technological advancements, then you cannot claim to be intelligent.

Philosophy barely does anything. Philosophers did not create math equations, they didn’t do any complex proofs or equations. They sat somewhere one day and came up with an idea. EVERYONE can do that. That isn’t special. That’s why you see a lot of social media bios with “philosopher” in the title. It’s because they think that philosophy is a high IQ subject when it really isn’t. Its just about being creative. Yet another course I could fall asleep in and ace.
Show All Show Less
msc545

27 d
There is math on the Wechsler scales, which are the predominant IQ tests used in the US and Europe. I take it you are not familiar with IQ tests?
msc545

27 d
Congratulations. You are doing a good job of demonstrating your lack of intelligence with your arrogance and rigid thinking, and complete lack of understanding of what IQ actually is, how it is measured, and what it predicts.
Asker

27 d
@msc545 it’s not math that requires a deeper knowledge of mathematics. It’s more about sequencing. I take it you don’t know much about IQ tests?

IQ is the greatest form of an intelligence test known currently. I take it very seriously. It’s obvious that you don’t take the test seriously enough.
msc545

27 d
I know nothing about them? Really? What is the expected score on the WAIS V and the SD? Better yet, what is the SEE and how is it calculated, and what is the Z score of an IQ of 112? I doubt you have any fucking idea.
Asker

27 d
@msc545 why would I give a shit? It’s clear you don’t value the IQ test at the same level that I do. I don’t care how they are measured, I care about how they are applied. It’s clear that you don’t value true intelligence. You’re probably one of those people who care about emotional intelligence more than general intelligence.
msc545

26 d
Ok, well, it's pretty clear that you've never even seen your vaunted IQ test. It is even more clear that you are a TROLL

Answer 17

Asker

The IQ test is the most important determinate of human intelligence. You're right about there being no math on an IQ test, however the concepts that are used in the IQ test are easily applied in math. All the other forms of intelligence you mentioned aren't even remotely close to mattering in the real world. You simply named entertainers (athletes, authors, and musicians) and skill sets that are unimportant in the advancement of society. Anyone can be a philosopher. Almost everyone claims to be a "philosopher" because they thought about life more deeply than usual while they were taking a shower. It isn't impressive. Therapists are important, but not necessary for the advancement of our society, spatial and naturalistic intelligence are barely important.

All in all, intelligence only refers to people who an actually bring about change by applying complex structures and equations. All other forms of intelligence are just coping mechanisms for those who are forced to watch the high IQ revolutionize our world.

Answer 18

RyzaStout

You do know even some of the most well known scientists and inventors struggled at maths? www.mentalfloss.com/.../6-famous-scientists-and-inventors-who-struggled-math

Also, more than just maths is important for society. If all forms of art ceased to exist there would be no more paintings, no more tv, no more films, no more books, no more posters or advertisements, nothing visual or written on the Internet. If writing, reading, and everything but maths became obsolete maths would be the only thing to be done. People like therapists and psychologists help people to understand humans, the way we live, and there are many branches of psychology some that help solve crime, help with law, help to prevent crime, help sell things so people will buy things etc. If people, like philosophers, stop thinking so deeply and imagining new things there would be no more inventions and no new thoughts. Maths is important but it's not everything.

Answer 19

Asker

Art is not a necessity. Writing is more important, but creative writing and other forms of aren’t are not important. They are only used as entertainment. Humans can live without movies and paintings. No intelligence is required to understand the arts. Therefore, it’s not impressive nor needed in advancing our world.

Therapists and psychologists don’t use any sort of intelligence. I could fall asleep in those courses and still ace the classes because they require no logical analysis. Instead, they require that you understand humans emotionally, which is boring and unimportant to our advancement. If you simply don’t have the IQ to be able to aid society with new technological advancements, then you cannot claim to be intelligent.

Philosophy barely does anything. Philosophers did not create math equations, they didn’t do any complex proofs or equations. They sat somewhere one day and came up with an idea. EVERYONE can do that. That isn’t special. That’s why you see a lot of social media bios with “philosopher” in the title. It’s because they think that philosophy is a high IQ subject when it really isn’t. Its just about being creative. Yet another course I could fall asleep in and ace.

Answer 20

msc545

There is math on the Wechsler scales, which are the predominant IQ tests used in the US and Europe. I take it you are not familiar with IQ tests?

Answer 21

msc545

Congratulations. You are doing a good job of demonstrating your lack of intelligence with your arrogance and rigid thinking, and complete lack of understanding of what IQ actually is, how it is measured, and what it predicts.

Answer 22

Asker

@msc545 it’s not math that requires a deeper knowledge of mathematics. It’s more about sequencing. I take it you don’t know much about IQ tests?

IQ is the greatest form of an intelligence test known currently. I take it very seriously. It’s obvious that you don’t take the test seriously enough.

Answer 23

msc545

I know nothing about them? Really? What is the expected score on the WAIS V and the SD? Better yet, what is the SEE and how is it calculated, and what is the Z score of an IQ of 112? I doubt you have any fucking idea.

Answer 24

Asker

@msc545 why would I give a shit? It’s clear you don’t value the IQ test at the same level that I do. I don’t care how they are measured, I care about how they are applied. It’s clear that you don’t value true intelligence. You’re probably one of those people who care about emotional intelligence more than general intelligence.

Answer 25

msc545

Ok, well, it's pretty clear that you've never even seen your vaunted IQ test. It is even more clear that you are a TROLL

Answer 26

Astarlessnightsky | 239 opinions shared on Education & Career topic.

Guru

Why do people who aren’t good at math claim to also be intelligent?

Good at math only means you are good at math.

Asker

28 d
Good at math means that you have the ability to advance our world

Existential intelligence? Are people unlocking their Mangekyo Sharingans now? You can’t tel me that this is a reliable chart.

Answer 27

Asker

Good at math means that you have the ability to advance our world

Existential intelligence? Are people unlocking their Mangekyo Sharingans now? You can’t tel me that this is a reliable chart.

Answer 28

Static_In_The_Attic | 88 opinions shared on Education & Career topic.

Yoda

The same reason why SOME intelligent people have no common sense.

Answer 29

msc545 | 158 opinions shared on Education & Career topic.

Guru

I am not sure where you got this idea, but being good at math does not mean one is intelligent, and not being good at it does not indicate a lack of intelligence. Also, what exactly is your definition of intelligence other than being good at math?

Answer 30

Anonymous

Shut up

Asker

28 d
Why should I? Is what I'm saying not correct?
Opinion Owner

28 d
No it’s stupid.
Asker

28 d
How is it stupid though? How can you claim you’re intelligent if you cannot do something that actually requires intelligence?
Show All Show Less
Opinion Owner

28 d
It’s a spectrum.
Asker

28 d
There is only one form of intelligence and that is IQ. All others on that “spectrum” are just coping mechanisms.
Opinion Owner

28 d
You can be intelligent in different subjects.
Asker

28 d
You can be educated in different subjects. Some subjects are far easier than others. I couldn’t care less about what someone is educated in unless it’s a field that requires a higher level of intelligence like STEM fields.
Opinion Owner

28 d
Cool.
msc545

27 d
IQ is not a "form of intelligence".

Answer 31

Asker

Why should I? Is what I'm saying not correct?

Answer 32

Opinion Owner

No it’s stupid.

Answer 33

Asker

How is it stupid though? How can you claim you’re intelligent if you cannot do something that actually requires intelligence?

Answer 34

Opinion Owner

It’s a spectrum.

Answer 35

Asker

There is only one form of intelligence and that is IQ. All others on that “spectrum” are just coping mechanisms.

Answer 36

Opinion Owner

You can be intelligent in different subjects.

Answer 37

Asker

You can be educated in different subjects. Some subjects are far easier than others. I couldn’t care less about what someone is educated in unless it’s a field that requires a higher level of intelligence like STEM fields.

Answer 38

Opinion Owner

Cool.

Answer 39

msc545

IQ is not a "form of intelligence".

Why do people who aren’t good at math claim to also be intelligent?

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