================================================ Subject: Re: NCR: philosophical talk is back From: "Tara" To: Date: Fri 31 Aug 2001 05:48:24 -0400 ================================================ I think you're reading too much into the question, Dawn... the general ideas of "insane" and "genius" are something that most people get the basic gist of. Imo, insane would mean someone who's thoughts are so different from the norm that the majority of the population can't conceive of the reasoning behind them, i.e. "I killed my wife because she's a demon from the underworld sent to destroy mankind". If the person truly believes that, then most people would agree that he's insane. I don't think "mentally ill" or "depressed" are appropriate for the question, since someone could be mentally ill or depressed without most people even realizing it, while insanity would be more obvious. (Again, in my opinion). A person could have clinical depression or be obsessive-compulsive without their behavior being so far from the norm as to be considered insane. A genius is someone who's thought processes are highly advanced compared to the majority. (It kind of all goes back to "what is 'normal'?"). On a standardized IQ test, normal intelligence is considered a score within 20 points of 100. A genius is 160 and above. (A flawed IQ test wouldn't count, since the odds are good that it wouldn't be a standardized test - same as taking the SAT's. Controlled setting, moderated, the test being approved prior to the time of taking it by a board of people who know what they're doing, etc...) To get away from IQ tests, I think a genius would just be someone who can "think" better than a lot of people. (If that makes sense... which it probably doesn't... at least I can prove that I'm not a genius, huh? ) To get back to Ewa's question - my opinion is that while it's possible to be both a genius and insane, genius doesn't necessarily have to lead to insanity. The way I see it, there are a few possible reasons for why it's sometimes seen that way. First, it could just be that the person's thinking is so highly advanced, that other people can't even come close to understanding it, and believe the person to be insane because of that. Second, the genius could "burn out"... try so hard for so long to figure something out that the frustration mounts to the point where they give up... perhaps having a nervous breakdown? I know of a couple of people who have genius level IQs, and both have had difficulty in their lives trying to deal with it. I wouldn't go so far as to say that either of them are anywhere near insane, but both of them have exhibited what most people would call "deviant behavior". I guess what I'm trying to get at is that it's so difficult to be highly intelligent, that if those people can't find a way to release their thoughts, it's likely to be very frustrating to them. Ah hell, it's late and I can't get across what I'm trying to say. (Talk about frustrating...). Hopefully you get the basic idea though. Tara From: Dawn DelliSanti Hmm, the last I heard, insane was a "legal" term. I don't really feel that insane was a very good choice of words if you are trying to start a philosophical conversation. Perhaps, "mentally ill" or depressed would be a more appropriate word. Also, will you please fill me in on what a "genius" mind is? Who really holds the right to label another as such? If I take a flawed IQ test, and I score really high, does this mean that I am a genius? I would definitely beg to differ on this. I think the term genius needs to be properly defined or maybe another word should take its place, before I can answer this question. To unsubscribe or change your preferences for the Creed-Discuss list, visit: http://www.winduplist.com/ls/discuss/form.asp