Abstract
The view of intelligence as a general ability or "g" has been challenged by research on segented cognitive processes, some of which can be broadly localized in specific parts of the brain. A consideration, based on neuropsychology, of intelligence as cognitive processes relates deficient functioning of the human brain to models of the cognitive functioning of people without diseases or disabilities. This view is elaborated in the present paper, in which I attempt to trace its origin to Sechenov and Pavlov. Its development fuelled Luria's neuropsychology and influenced the construction of Das's theory of intelligence of which the major components are Planning, Attention-Arousal, and Simultaneous and Successive Processing (or "PASS"), within the context of a person's knowledge base. Following a review of Luria's conception of the functional organization of the brain and a brief presentation of PASS theory, I allude to recent neuropsychological studies that are linked to current topics in disability science such as reading difficulties, attention deficit, and mental retardation. The PASS theory comprises a system with practical outcomes for cognitive assessment and a remedial program for the enhancement of reading, both of which are described in the Appendices.
