Question

How is the Indian concept of intelligence different from the type of intelligence valued in Western countries? Distinguish between these two types of intelligence.

Answer 1

• In the Indian tradition, integral intelligence is emphasised. It is holistic and linked with the social and world environment. The Indian concept of Buddhi includes cognitive, emotional, social, and motivational aspects, and also capacities like social concern, empathy, and entrepreneurial competence.
• In contrast, Western societies (like the USA and Europe) value mainly technological/academic intelligence. Here, intelligence is seen more in terms of cognitive skills such as abstraction, logical reasoning, speed, accuracy, mental manipulation, problem-solving, and high achievement in tasks and performance.

So, the Indian concept = broad, integrated, cognitive + non-cognitive, socially connected; the Western concept = narrower, primarily cognitive, stressing technological and performance efficiency.