What is Machiavellian intelligence? Views on a
little appreciated side of the psyche
by
Knecht T.
Psychiatrische Klinik Munsterlingen, Switzerland.
Thomas.Knecht@stgag.ch
Nervenarzt. 2004 Jan;75(1):1-5

ABSTRACT

Ethological and evolutionary psychological research has produced evidence that intelligence is not a monolithic functional entity but includes a number of specialized mental abilities to cope with life which even stem from diverse evolutionary origins. One of these subforms of intelligence is called "Machiavellian intelligence," named after the 15/16th century Italian politician and author, Niccolo Machiavelli. It provides individuals or groups with a means of social manipulation in order to attain particular goals. Thus, it builds the psychological basis for the display of power in social groups. Machiavellian intelligence can be observed and evaluated in bands of primates as well as in humans, and there are even tools for measurement in the latter.

New brain cells
The memory switch?
Dumb-drug euphoria
Emotional intelligence
Growing new brain cells
Machiavellian intelligence
Social cognition and evolution
Alexithymia and verbal intelligence
The emotional intelligence of groups

Refs
and further reading

HOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World

The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family