The Right Nation explores the evolution of conservatism in America, from Barry Goldwater's influence to the modern Republican Party. It analyzes the role of think tanks, cultural values, and the impact of American exceptionalism on political ideologies. The book provides a balanced perspective on the conservative movement's growth and its implications for American society.
This book explores the development of psychological theory in England from approximately 1860 to 1990, focusing on key figures like Cyril Burt and their contributions to educational psychology. It examines how these theories influenced educational policy and social policy-making during this period. The narrative delves into the professional environments and career patterns of influential psychologists, highlighting the interplay between scientific arguments and political interests.
Written in 1958, 'The Rise of the Meritocracy' is a satirical work that projects a future society in 2034 where the concept of meritocracy has led to a rigidly stratified society. The book argues that the formula 'IQ + effort = merit' has become the basis for social hierarchy, resulting in a significant gulf between the highly intelligent upper classes and the less intelligent lower classes. Young critiques the idea of meritocracy, highlighting its potential to create a society where the upper classes lack empathy for the lower classes and where social mobility is severely limited. The work is notable for its insightful and often humorous critique of the potential consequences of a meritocratic system.
In 'The Aristocracy of Talent', Adrian Wooldridge delves into the history of meritocracy, tracing its evolution from ancient ideas to its current state. He argues that meritocracy has been a driving force behind modern prosperity but is now facing challenges from both the left and the right. Wooldridge advocates for the renewal of meritocracy rather than its abandonment.
In this book, Frederick Martin Stern explores the relationship between capitalism and the concept of a classless society in America. The work delves into the economic and social structures of the time, arguing that capitalism can coexist with a classless society. The book is a critical examination of the societal and economic dynamics of the United States in the mid-20th century.
Dr. Adrian Wooldridge is a political editor at The Economist and author of the new book ‘The Aristocracy of Talent: How Meritocracy Made the Modern World.’
In this episode, Dr. Wooldridge and I discuss how his new book has been received, the history of meritocracy, how IQ testing shaped educational policy, group-based judgement, and the importance of defending liberal individualism.
—Links—
Follow Dr. Wooldridge on Twitter: https://twitter.com/adwooldridge
‘The Aristocracy of Talent: How Meritocracy Made the Modern World:’ https://amazon.com/Aristocracy-Talent...
More books by Dr. Wooldridge: https://amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/...
—Chapters—
[0:00] Intro
[1:06] Reviews of ‘The Aristocracy of Talent’
[3:47] Measuring the Mind, History of IQ Testing, & British Education
[7:22] 11+ System vs. the Modern Prolonged Educational System
[10:22] Workplace Selection Tests
[11:58] IQ Literature & IQ Testing for the US Military
[14:55] Michael Young’s ‘The Rise of the Meritocracy’
[16:58] Pareto Distribution, Matthew Principle, & Creative Achievement Tests
[18:22] History of Meritocracy
[22:43] Conflating Moral Worth with Intellectual Ability
[24:25] Conceptual Inadequacy & “Bell Curve Liberals”
[29:45] Blank Slate Argument & Ethnic Differences in IQ Testing
[34:59] White Working Class in England
[37:45] Perception of Meritocracy in the UK vs. US
[42:21] Judging People as Group Members
[48:17] Distinction Between Affirmative Action & Diversity
[51:36] Idea of Meritocracy as Propaganda for the Elite
[54:00] Openness of Competition of Examinations
[56:10] Foucault & the Complexity of Perception
[59:55] Social Justice, Economic Efficiency & Growth Rates
[1:05:35] Challenges to Western Dominance
[1:10:59] European Ladder of Opportunity & Plutocracy
[1:14:32] Ethics: Levels of Analysis
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 
