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They really are not a good argument against genetic causes of heritability of lower IQ scores in other groups. Their example (if true) only serves to proof that in their cases low IQ was cause by environment, which as partial cause for low IQ is not debated by anyone credible. It says nothing about genetic causes in other groups at all.


Fair enough. But I think it is a good reminder that the gut reaction to invoke genetics when confronted with a heritable phenotype should be met with suspicion, especially given the tendency to treat 'intrinsic' traits as excuses for continued poor treatment/disregard.


I think better yet would be to condemn discrimination (i.e. favor social fairness) even if a certain genetic group is found to be causally associated with lower IQ. I think assuming we're all equal is as crippling to science/society as genetic supremacism. Understanding nuances of ethnic and cultural groups is something we should strive for. Diversity of traits, cultures is great.


Inasmuch as it makes sense to claim one's gut has any notion of genetics, I'd say the gut reaction of the vast majority of people is to reject any suggestion that there are intelligence differences between groups caused by genetics.


I hope you're right. My experience growing up makes me believe the opposite, but I know that my adolescence is only anecdotal in the scheme of things. I think the best we can do is silently acknowledge that black people are likely to have had a different set of opportunities than white people and apply that knowledge judiciously as necessary.


I'm not sure if the vast majority of people actually believe in that. Most educated Americans probably do. But I think there are a lot of people out there who still hold the older outdated incorrect view.


My gut supports group differences in intelligence. As Heinlein once wrote, if intelligence weren't heritable, you could teach calculus to a horse. It takes the entire intellectual edifice of modern radical egalitarianism to rob people of their common sense.


>It takes the entire intellectual edifice of modern radical egalitarianism to rob people of their common sense

It's not just 'radical egalitarianism'. The seemingly obvious explanation that such and such group are poor because they are genetically low IQ does not stand up to scientific investigation on the whole.




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