The concept of "intelligence" is reviewed and compared to the notion of "social intelligence". The theoretical contour of the intelligent person are delimited with the aim of establishing boundaries defined by the interpersonal relationship mediated by intersubjectively valid criteria. The successful intelligent person is discussed, particularly in its social aspect. Research on social intelligence stemming from Social Psychology conceptual models are presented, particularly those studies focusing on social competence and those studying the way and the precision of social judgement. Three empirical studies of psychometric nature are reported. The first deals with the definition of social intelligence; the second is dedicated to the translation and adaptation of a social insight test to the Brazilian reality; and the third about the evaluation of interpersonal intelligence in children. Finally, the recent work of Robert J. Stemberg is discussed, specifically issues conceming the aplicability of his theory of the successful intelligence to the practical aspects of cognitive promotion.
Social Intelligence; Successfull intelligence; Intelligent person