Geoffrey MillerVerified account

Maybe the debate should focus on the scientific common ground that is beyond any serious dispute: there are mean phenotypic IQ differences across human groups, regardless of their origin. They exist in every multi-group society. What should we do about them?

One place to start for common scientific ground: the 1996 APA blue-ribbon panel that made a strong consensus statement on IQ research, almost all of which remains valid today: https://www.mensa.ch/sites/default/files/Intelligence_Neisser1996.pdf …

Ezra shouldn't say anything at all about race & IQ if he can't even engage with a blue-ribbon consensus report from the leading psychology association that's specifically written for science journalists to summarize the research in the wake of 'The Bell Curve' debate.

Yes. The debate should focus on what policies should be instituted in light of the evidence. I would also be curious to hear their takes on what percentage of IQ differences they believe are attributable to environmental vs genetic factors (it is clear both exist).

I think the genes vs. environment debate on sources of IQ differences across groups is tricky, since all good scientists (inc. Murray) agree that we just don't know yet, and all speculation will be ideologically biased. We'll have better genomic data within a decade though...

Agreed, but where you fall on that spectrum implicitly shapes the policy recommendations which, at the end of the day, are the most societally important consequences of this field. I think at least estimating your place on that spectrum is an important exercise.