r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • 20d ago

Neuroscience Twin study suggests rationality and intelligence share the same genetic roots - the study suggests that being irrational, or making illogical choices, might simply be another way of measuring lower intelligence.

https://www.psypost.org/twin-study-suggests-rationality-and-intelligence-share-the-same-genetic-roots/
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u/LordFondleJoy 20d ago

So instead of saying "He's an idiot" you could say "He's irrational" and it would basically indicate the same issue? Good to know.

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u/DocFail 19d ago edited 19d ago

I’m confused. He tested their vocabulary and puzzle solving skills, then tested their “rationality” by giving them puzzles to solve.

Why not pit intuition against complex real world problems where application of rationality requires addressing blind spots? That’s where some high IQ people become irrational train wrecks.

Rationality isn't just about avoiding “gotcha”-quiz  pitfalls. It’s about addressing the totality of partial knowledge, observations, and reasoning against and within an open system.