Question

How does Sternberg synthesize his theory of intelligence, the theory of love, and love as a story work into a whole?

What was Sternberg's motivation for attempting this synthesis?

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. Also, you may need to add content from your textbook or classwork to this response.

(Answer) Theory of intelligence: Sternberg suggests that there are three types of intelligence. They are practical intelligence, creative intelligence and analytical intelligence. The function of each of these is to apply, create and analyse respectively.

The theory of love: The theory of love is a typical pyramid with passion at the left base, intimacy at the pinnacle and commitment at the left base. He suggests that the stages are usually experienced in succession. Familiarity with each other takes a couple from stage 1 to 2. Trusting each other takes a couple from stage 2 to 3.

The theory of love as a story: This theory seeks to answer the question, “what makes a person a certain type of lover?” and “how do they attract another lover?” The theory of a love story helps an individual understand love through scientific theories, by looking at experiences or stories.

Sternberg’s motivation to theorise and synthesize his understanding of the human mind and its emotions is simply an attempt to turn love and intellect into an empirical value. Philosophers, scientists and psychologists have attempted to do so, but Sternberg had succeeded to some extent. Through categorization and analysis, Sternberg makes attempts to give an individual’s experience a unit or value.