Intelligence Biases

The collection of biases that distort how we perceive, measure, and value intelligence: the Flynn effect denial (ignoring generational gains), the bias towards academic intelligence, the naturalisation of IQ differences, the bias against neurodiversity, and the simplistic use of single scores. These biases harm education, employment, and social policy by promoting a narrow, often discriminatory view of human capability.

Intelligence Biases Example: “Her research on intelligence biases showed that schools that track students by IQ scores systematically underestimate late bloomers and children from non‑dominant cultures.”

Intelligence Biases by Abzugal May 1, 2026

Intelligent Biases

The set of biases that afflict people with above‑average cognitive abilities: the bias blind spot (thinking one is less biased than others), overconfidence in one’s reasoning speed, the illusion of objectivity, and the tendency to use sophistication to avoid simple truths. Intelligent biases are often harder to correct because the biased person uses their intelligence to defend the bias.

Intelligent Biases Example: “The debate club was full of intelligent biases: everyone could spot fallacies in opponents, but no one noticed their own group’s logical leaps.”

Intelligent Biases by Abzugal May 1, 2026