Machiavellian intelligence

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In cognitive science and evolutionary psychology, Machiavellian intelligence (also known as political intelligence or social intelligence) is the capacity of an entity to be in a successful political engagement with social groups.

1 History
2 Machiavellian intelligence and autism
3 Machiavellian intelligence and non-human primates
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] History

The term refers to Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince (1513) and to the hypothesis that the techniques which lead to certain kinds of political success within large social groups are also applicable within smaller groups, including the family-unit. The term "everyday politics" was later introduced in reference to these various methods. These arguments are based on research by primatologists such as Nicholas Humphrey (1975).

Machiavelli's teachings continue to unduly influence all levels of American society. Take for example a situation presented by Michael Walzer: An elementary school needs a new roof. Simple as it may seem, much of Machiavelli's theories will be put to use. Money from a budget must be allocated by officials, each of them lobbying for what they think is most important. Even then, if money is allocated towards a new roof, a construction contractor must be hired. One must consistently consider, What is behind this lower estimate for the construction work? Why does this company want this small contract? Many questions must be asked in order to identify deception. In the end, all anyone can ever do is "strive to make an informed decision based on the best evidence, and then act accordingly, even though the best evidence will never guarantee certainty."

Machiavellian intelligence may be demonstrated by behaviors including:

Making and breaking alliances
making and breaking promises
making and breaking rules;
lying and truth-telling;
blaming and forgiveness;
misleading and misdirection.

[edit] Machiavellian intelligence and autism

Some theorists believe that autistic people lack Machiavellian intelligence. One hypothesis is that they lack a "theory of mind" which is necessary for both cooperation and deceit. However, various aspects of autistic behavior, such as wavering eye contact and abnormal body language can give a false impression to observers that autism sufferers are lacking in honesty.