The source and nature of intelligence

Consider the idea that each successive stage of evolution of the universe is an increase in complexity of organization and, thereby, an increase in intelligence. In early forms where there is nothing living, only a physical universe, chemical and energetic forces continued to interact and recombine and make new matter and forces. These arose from a common source and, if they survived, fit into that same universe. It is this emergent nature of the universe that makes intelligence possible.

Eventually, some living entities emerge and complexity takes a leap forward. The evolution of living forms continually increases the complexity of the universe. Later still, language and individual intelligence emerges. The individual intelligence is emergent from the existing design, patterns, energy-information of the universe.

Each is an evolution of organization. The universe is an organization of energy and information. Each stage of evolution is a different stage of organization. Complexity refers to this kind of organization. Intelligence refers to an advanced state of organization. When the universe and our nature are structurally coupled - as they must be - then intelligence exists.

Have you ever wondered how a human mind can comprehend any part of a universe? It cannot be directly by sensory comprehension of what exactly is "out there". If it were, then how could a bat, a fish, a bee and the myriad of other entities which have totally different sensory apparatus and nervous systems operation be able to comprehend and survive in the world? Each can make sense of the world because it is structurally coupled to a universe which is patterns of energy-information that can be experienced and constructed in many ways. It is the organization and integration of the universe that makes this intelligence possible.

Intelligence refers to the nature of the coupling between living beings and the universe. The phenomenon of organization in the universe exists independently of our understanding of it. It exists independently of our intelligence. And our intelligence influences the way that organization evolves.

Intelligence refers to the existence of an implicate order and the nature of structural coupling. It does not refer to the degree of our ability to understand. Our ability to understand is called wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to comprehend the implicate order, the deep patterns, the organization or design of the universe. Wisdom refers to our use of intelligence.