Gisela Schmalz: Fetisch Intelligenz (Klartext)

Why are so many children considered gifted today? Why are tech executives and far-right influencers obsessed with intelligence? Why does the concept of “intelligence” hold such a strong fascination today?

In her non-fiction book, Gisela Schmalz examines how IQ, the culture of achievement, and discourses on AI shape society and politics. She shows how intelligence tests are used to evaluate and categorize people and to legitimize social inequalities. Drawing on historical developments and current debates, Schmalz analyzes the political and social power of the concept of IQ—and advocates for a humanistic understanding of intelligence.

Gisela Schmalzis a professor of digital business at an international university and heads the “Artificial Intelligence Focus Group” at the German Society for Philosophy. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, economics, and society.

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Frank Schäfer wrote his dissertationon Lichtenberg and lives in Braunschweig, where he works as an author and music and literary critic.