A formal definition of the phenomenon of collective intelligence and its IQ measure

Abstract

This paper formalizes the concept of Collective Intelligence (C-I). Application of the Random PROLOG Processor (RPP) has allowed us to model the phenomenon of C-I in social structures, and to define a C-I measure (IQS). This approach works for various beings: bacterial÷insect colonies to human social structures. It gives formal justification to well-known patterns of behavior in social structures. Some other social phenomenon can be explained as optimization toward higher IQS. The definition of C-I is based on the assumption that it is a specific property of a social structure, initialized when individuals organize, acquiring the ability to solve more complex problems than individuals can. This property amplifies if the social structure improves its synergy. The definition covers both cases when C-I results in physical synergy or in logical cooperative problem-solving.

This research is supported by Grant No. SM 174 funded by Kuwait University.