How It Ticks: The Swiss Culture, Business & Life Podcast The Truth About Intelligence & The Swiss Education System | Elsbeth Stern
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Aug 18, 2025 
Elsbeth Stern, a cognitive psychologist and Professor Emeritus at ETH Zurich, shares her insights on intelligence and the Swiss education system. She debunks myths about learning and delves into the nature vs. nurture debate, revealing how both shape cognitive abilities. Stern assesses the Swiss education model and proposes improvements for the future, emphasizing essential skills for a tech-driven world. She also discusses the impact of AI on learning and the critical balance between creativity and analytical thinking.
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Cognitive Definition Of Intelligence
- Intelligence is best defined as reasoning ability and cognitive flexibility to infer new knowledge from given knowledge.
- Elsbeth Stern argues this cognitive definition is clearer than broad “multiple intelligences.”
When To Take An IQ Test
- Do not pressure everyone to take an IQ test, but get one if school performance underestimated you or you need clarity on giftedness.
- Use testing to improve self-concept and make informed educational decisions.
Nature Via Nurture
- Genetics strongly influence intelligence but only expressed through opportunities in the environment (nature via nurture).
- Better environments let more people approach their genetic potential for intelligence.