The Human Intelligence - Every Theory Explained

Robin Dunbar proposed social brain hypothesis arguing human intelligence evolved primarily for navigating complex social groups rather than solving ecological problems.

Cultural intelligence hypothesis proposes intelligence increased through generational cultural knowledge accumulation transmitted via social learning, eventually building vast knowledge across humanity.

Sexual selection theory proposes intelligence evolved not from ecological necessity but as fitness indicator making intelligent individuals more attractive mates producing superior offspring.

Group selection theory proposes intelligence evolved because large groups enable specialization, allowing individuals to dedicate cognitive resources to specific domains benefiting entire community.

Social exchange theory proposes intelligence evolved as mechanism for detecting individuals exploiting cooperative systems, enabling group punishment maintaining cooperation.

Ecological Dominance Social Competition (EDS) model proposes intelligence initially evolved for environmental control but continued escalating through intraspecific social competition after humans achieved ecological dominance.

Terrence McKenna proposed highly speculative “stoned ape theory” claiming psilocybin mushrooms encountered during Homo erectus to Homo sapiens transition expanded neuroscience triggering cognitive revolution.