What Is Human Intelligence?

Naomi Alderman introduces her series dissecting the minds of brilliant thinkers from the past; examining the myriad ways in which humans think – the messy magic behind ideas that shaped the world.

Unlike Artificial Intelligence, human intelligence is a flesh and blood pursuit. It is shaped by character, opportunity and circumstance, and fuelled by ego, mania, tenacity and eccentricity.

Each episode of HI tells a story of how a brilliant mind came up with a brilliant idea, asking: how did this person achieve their intellectual ambitions? What kind of mind is at work here? Did they argue their position? Did they prefer quiet contemplation or long walks by the sea?

Naomi introduces remarkable thinkers from across history – Socrates, Mary Wollstonecraft, Malcolm X, Sei Shōnagon, Charles Darwin and so many more – alongside academic experts from around the world.

Produced by BBC Studios Audio in partnership with The Open University.