John McWhorter, Charles Murray, Amy Wax, Jordan Peterson & Lex Fridman – The Race and Intelligence Debate
May 31, 2024
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Join John McWhorter, Charles Murray, Amy Wax, Jordan Peterson, and Lex Fridman as they delve into the controversial topics of race, intelligence, and genetics. The discussions cover questioning established beliefs, exploring natural disparities in gender and race, debating race realism, and examining disparities in cognitive ability among different racial groups. The conversation emphasizes the need for evidence-based research and the challenges of addressing cognitive differences in societal structures.
Question settled assumptions, consider intellectual honesty in contentious debates on race and IQ.
Explore genetic differences in cognitive abilities between racial groups, addressing social outcomes and ethical concerns.
Examine the sensitive nature of researching IQ disparities, balancing scientific exploration with societal implications and ethical considerations.
Deep dives
Challenging the Notion of Settled Questions
The podcast episode starts by challenging the idea of settled questions, emphasizing the need to question assumptions rather than blindly accepting them. It stresses the importance of intellectual honesty in exploring topics like race and IQ, highlighting the danger of assuming settled questions in contentious debates on subjects like standardized tests and biases.
Implications of Genetic Differences in Cognitive Ability
The discussion delves into the implications of genetic differences in cognitive abilities between racial groups. It touches upon how these differences, particularly in IQ, influence social outcomes and professions like medicine. It raises concerns about how acknowledging these differences can be perceived as endorsing disparities and even racism, leading to a debate on the complexity of genetic influences on human abilities.
Navigating Sensitive Research Areas
The episode explores the sensitive nature of researching IQ differences among racial groups. It questions the ethical considerations and potential consequences of delving into such topics, especially regarding intelligent design and social equity issues. The conversation debates the balance between scientific exploration and the societal implications of studying genetic distinctions in cognitive functions.
The Interpretation of Research Findings
The podcast reflects on the interpretation of research findings related to cognitive disparities, emphasizing the multi-dimensional nature of intelligence beyond traditional IQ measures. It discusses the potential impact of cognitive differences on various social outcomes and the importance of considering environmental interventions to address disparities. The conversation also highlights the need to steer clear of premature assumptions about research outcomes and the implications of silencing inquiry into potentially contentious subjects.
Challenges in Research and Political Discourse
In wrapping up, the podcast addresses the challenges in conducting research on cognitive inequality and racial differences in IQ. It touches on the delicate balance between scientific inquiry and potential political ramifications, showcasing the complexity of exploring topics that touch on genetic variations in cognitive abilities across populations. The discussion underscores the necessity of approaching such research with caution while acknowledging the risks and benefits of delving into intellectually and socially challenging subjects.
ORDER Glenn's memoir, LATE ADMISSIONS: CONFESSIONS OF A BLACK CONSERVATIVE. Available here or wherever you get your books: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393881349
31:08 Debate with an Embattled Racial Realist, Glenn Loury & Amy Wax
45:44 The Uncomfortable Truth Behind Economic Inequality, Glenn Loury
48:21 The Dangers of Research into Race & IQ, Glenn Loury & Lex Fridman
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit glennloury.substack.com/subscribe
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