This is a note/definition I want to put out there. While the term may sound similar to breadth vs depth of knowledge, it is importantly distinct.
Let’s define intelligence as the ability to process information and make decisions. (This is a very broad definition and includes not just humans but also e.g. most common computer programs.) General ability is intelligence that is applicable to many different tasks. Consider a key distinction in intelligence: horizontal generality vs vertical generality.
Horizontal generality: the ability to contribute to many different tasks. Calculators, search engines, etc. are horizontally general.
Vertical generality: the ability to efficiently complete tasks with minimal outside assistance. Animals, plants, etc. are vertically general.
Humans could arguably be said to be on the simultaneous frontier of horizontal and vertical generality.
You might think horizontal vs vertical generality is the same as breadth vs depth of knowledge, but I don’t think it is. The key distinction is that breadth vs depth of knowledge concerns fields of information, whereas horizontal vs vertical generality concerns tasks. Inputs vs outputs.
Some tasks may depend on multiple fields of knowledge, e.g. software development depends on programming capabilities and understanding user needs, which means that depth of knowledge doesn’t guarantee vertical generality.
On the other hand, some fields of knowledge, e.g. math or conflict resolution, may give gains in multiple tasks, which means that horizontal generality doesn’t require breadth of knowledge.
Horizontal vs vertical generality
This is a note/definition I want to put out there. While the term may sound similar to breadth vs depth of knowledge, it is importantly distinct.
Let’s define intelligence as the ability to process information and make decisions. (This is a very broad definition and includes not just humans but also e.g. most common computer programs.) General ability is intelligence that is applicable to many different tasks. Consider a key distinction in intelligence: horizontal generality vs vertical generality.
Horizontal generality: the ability to contribute to many different tasks. Calculators, search engines, etc. are horizontally general.
Vertical generality: the ability to efficiently complete tasks with minimal outside assistance. Animals, plants, etc. are vertically general.
Humans could arguably be said to be on the simultaneous frontier of horizontal and vertical generality.
You might think horizontal vs vertical generality is the same as breadth vs depth of knowledge, but I don’t think it is. The key distinction is that breadth vs depth of knowledge concerns fields of information, whereas horizontal vs vertical generality concerns tasks. Inputs vs outputs.
Some tasks may depend on multiple fields of knowledge, e.g. software development depends on programming capabilities and understanding user needs, which means that depth of knowledge doesn’t guarantee vertical generality.
On the other hand, some fields of knowledge, e.g. math or conflict resolution, may give gains in multiple tasks, which means that horizontal generality doesn’t require breadth of knowledge.