LOL I cannot believe this argument is still going on...but I am still enjoying it. Allow me to put in a couple of cents. According to Google Dictionary, "wisdom" is the accumulation of knowledge while "intelligence" is the ability to comprehend. So Malcolm is definitely the more intelligent of the two, but the definition of wisdom could be taken a number of different directions. We could say that because Malcolm is able to comprehend all of that knowledge, he must have more wisdom because he has of course acquired it. But even though Dewey isn't a walking encyclopedia, has he accumulated just as much knowledge? How can we equate knowledge of science to knowledge of music? Which is more valuable? Ponder over these questions as your debate continues.
Neither one's knowledge or interest of science or music is more important than the other. This is about individuals, not which field of expertise is superior. It would be ignorant to assume that scientists are automatically smarter than musicians simply by mere virtue of what they know about.
If it matters, Dewey did recall in his "Special Class" episode about Malcolm explaining the finer points of the 'Doppler Effect', and revealed not only an accurate memory by reciting it word for word, but how well he understood it by breaking it down for a fellow classmate. There is also the fact Malcolm thought of revising negative answers for Dewey's upcoming I.Q. test in that episode. That alone tells me that Malcolm seems to be aware of Dewey's intelligence, otherwise he wouldn't have bothered sabotaging his younger brother's entry in the 'gifted program'. And not long after Dewey purposefully failing the test got him relegated to Special Ed and Malcolm tried to make amends by informing Dewey's school counselor about the situation, she did mention that the failed I.Q. test did not match up with what seems to be his usual classroom performance, and was quite willing to have him resit the test.
In "Malcolm Visits College" as I have previously mentioned, Dewey quite ably constructed a working piano out of various items around the house. Such an achievement cannot be done without a dint of intelligence and background knowledge in electrics and design. He had no blueprints except what he had in his head, he had zero assistance in that project. If that undertaking is not a testament to that boy's genius, then I don't know what is. Also Dewey has:
Skillfully crafted animal figures from candy-floss in "Lois' Sister".
In "Hal's Friend", he tricked Reese into believing that their mother was forwarding instructions over the phone regardless of whom really was speaking. The deception didn't last, but still, pretty crafty while it lasted.
Impressed on Hal in "Living Will" that the neighbour who entrusted him with power of attorney, would not instantly die upon having his life-support switched off. Going on a thorough explanation until an aghast Hal remarked that "as if I don't get enough of the know it all stuff from Malcolm."
Went along with Reese's plan to mail himself to China in "Jessica Stays Over", only he pulled out all the stops to make Reese's "journey" as realistic as possible, such as having a kipper on a plate and a fan to blow the scent around the garage to simulate the smell of a port, and routinely kicked the box to make Reese's trip as uncomfortable as possible. Lois found out of course, but left it alone when Dewey reassured her that Reese was still alive and well.
Told Lois in "Forwards, Backwards" that he thought little of Abraham Lincoln as a person when he found out that he had suspended the law of Habeas Corpus in the state of Maryland during the American Civil War.
Spoke a few words in Italian to a waiter at a restaurant in "Malcolm Dates A Family."
Nominated some cocky little bastard in "Hal Sleepwalks" for Student Body President, then single-handedly destroyed that kid's reputation throughout the school by spreading rumours and flyers. Even went on a little rant about why he thinks democracy is inherently flawed in a rare revelation of his venomous contempt for the stupidity of others.
Convinced the Office of Pathology that he was a doctor in "Ida Loses A Leg", and had them mail a box of amputated legs to his house. Even knew the right words to say to them.
The legendary scavenger hunt he forced Hal and Lois into in "Morp". His last great storyline.
Blackmailed his principal and teacher into silence, threatening to expose their little operation if they report themselves as being falsely imprisoned in "Buseys Take A Hostage".
Made it all the way to Otto Mankusser's ranch by himself to see Francis in "Malcolm's job", and apparently without getting lost on the way (unlike Hal).
And of course his ability to write material that would be beyond his age-group, like his "Opera" as well as a passing mention of an earlier performance in "Victor's Other Family".
Does it strike anyone a bit curious why super-genius Malcolm kept falling for Dewey's schemes, like as if he didn't remember what happened to him the last time? He's far from stupid, in fact he has proven his ability to pull the wool over other people's eyes too. But all the same, whenever Dewey tricked him, he either didn't realize he had been decieved or did not find out until it was too late. Perhaps Malcolm's short-comings in personality do play a part in that, but thats hardly an excuse to blithely walk into his brother's deceptions like a fly drawn towards a lightbulb.
Like I have explained before, they don't tacitly claim that Dewey is a genius. Instead its strongly implied that he is, and dropping various hints around to support the notion. An ounce of action is worth a pound of words.