The concept of intellectual giftedness has had a long history in the literature of psychology and education. However, though the existence of the phenomenon underlying this concept has never actually been disputed, there are multiple ongoing debates regarding its definition, methods for its identification, and subsequent programming. This essay is conceived to contribute to the discussion on intellectual giftedness and to provide a global context for the other articles in this issue. The essay is comprised of three major parts. First, we review the defining terms, contexts and theories historically and currently applied to the understanding of intellectual giftedness. Second, we comment on models used to identify it. Third, we discuss the major influences that directly shape the treatment of giftedness in a number of international settings.