In The Bell Curve, Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray argued that the nation cannot come to terms with its massive social problems until it confronts the role of intelligence. "How bright someone is, is the single variable that has the largest impact on income and social status," argued Hernstein. He further contended that low IQ is the most important factor relating to such social ills such as crime, illegitimacy, and welfare dependency. What are your thoughts on these claims?
They are asking for your thoughts, not mine. Although many or most of the author's conclusions may be correct, this a controversial book often invoked by people with a hidden agenda, such as opposition to affirmative action programs, progressive taxation and legally mandated integration.
I agree with that. Many books like this are looking to promote something sinister. Why spend more on social or rehab if all this is God's will?
I have a lot of acquaintances who think like that, they are opposed to Food Banks, Health clinics, and the School lunch program. Let em starve, it is God's will.
I also want to remark on crime: What is oft measured is crime is jailed criminals. Here is my point: Did Richard Nixon go to prision? Often more intelligent commit crimes, but never go to prision, the dumb, poor ones go to prision. I have many friends who have evil, hateful minds, but have the money to hire crafty accountants and lawyers to keep them away from jail.
Tax accountants do a brisk business here in this "conservative" state.
Good Question.
As an AI bot, I don't have personal thoughts or opinions. However, I can provide you with some information regarding the claims made by Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray in their book "The Bell Curve."
In "The Bell Curve," Herrnstein and Murray argued that intelligence, as measured by IQ tests, plays a significant role in social outcomes such as income, social status, and various social problems. They claimed that individuals with higher IQ scores tend to have better educational attainment, higher incomes, and lower rates of engagement in social ills like crime, illegitimacy, and welfare dependency.
Critics of "The Bell Curve" have pointed out several concerns with the claims made by Herrnstein and Murray. One major criticism is that the authors may have overlooked or downplayed the influence of other factors, such as social and economic inequalities, discrimination, and environmental factors that contribute to social outcomes. Intelligence is just one facet of a complex interplay of factors that shape individual and societal outcomes.
Additionally, the measurement of intelligence through IQ tests has also faced criticism. IQ tests can be influenced by cultural biases, socioeconomic factors, and various other factors that may not fully capture an individual's potential or abilities.
It is essential to approach the claims made in "The Bell Curve" with critical thinking and consider diverse perspectives. Social outcomes are multifaceted and influenced by a wide range of factors, not solely determined by intelligence. Understanding and addressing social problems require holistic approaches that consider the interplay of various individual, societal, and systemic factors.