The Crisis of Rationality: What Happens to Intelligence?

Abstract

This paper discusses problems arising from prevailing definitions of intelligence elaborated on the basis of the rational paradigm which constitutes the typical form of acquiring knowledge in the modern world. We are imprisoned, it is argued, in our perception of what “being intelligent” means according to the requirements of traditional scientific method. Suggestions are outlined regarding the possibilities of comprehending intelligence unleashed by a shift from the traditional psychodiagnosis model to a descriptive approach introduced by the practice of phenomenological-existential psychodiagnosis.