Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

One of the premises of this article caught my eye, and as my mind is still open on the topic, I think there's room for discussion. The proposition is this: people at any age can make themselves more intelligent. The proposition is stated explicitly in this handout paper (it might be a clipping from a magazine but I'm not sure). "By practcing," it says, "you make your brain stronger." Well, I've certainly used the analogy enough times in the past. But is it literally true, and does it operate on the level of intelligence, and not just knowledge and skills? I think there are limits (poor nutrition pre-birth and in childhood may have permanent effects, for example). But that said, a lot of what is called 'intelligence' is not much more than basic language, logic and numeracy. And those can be learned. Moreover, I think there is evidence that actual physical exercise like running, cycling and the like can help brain function - at least so says Harvard Health Publications.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Mar 29, 2024 11:56 a.m.

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