There is no consensus concerning the nature, definition and level of analysis in investigations related to the concept of intelligence. The analysis of the use of this concept in ordinary language indicated that it has an adverbial function, which characterizes an action as successful. The concept is used at different levels, functioning as an adverbial summary of an individual's actions in general or his specific abilities. As "success" is relative to cultural values, the definition of intelligence also depends upon the culture. The adverbial function may explain at least in part the disagreements and controversies found in psychology.
intelligence; reasoning; conceptual analysis; ordinary language