Here’s a timely new paper being published in the academic journal Philosophical Psychology:

Research on group differences in intelligence: A defense of free inquiry

Nathan Cofnas

Pages 125-147 | Received 31 Oct 2018, Accepted 20 Feb 2019, Published online: 23 Dec 2019

ABSTRACT

1. Introduction

2. The scientific controversy

3. Should science be absolutely committed to truth?

4. Utilitarian reasons to favor free inquiry

5. Non-utilitarian considerations in favor of free inquiry

6. Conclusion: The responsibility of philosophers

References

Full Article Figures & data References Citations Metrics Licensing PDF

ABSTRACT

In a very short time, it is likely that we will identify many of the genetic variants underlying individual differences in intelligence. We should be prepared for the possibility that these variants are not distributed identically among all geographic populations, and that this explains some of the phenotypic differences in measured intelligence among groups. However, some philosophers and scientists believe that we should refrain from conducting research that might demonstrate the (partly) genetic origin of group differences in IQ. Many scholars view academic interest in this topic as inherently morally suspect or even racist. The majority of philosophers and social scientists take it for granted that all population differences in intelligence are due to environmental factors. The present paper argues that the widespread practice of ignoring or rejecting research on intelligence differences can have unintended negative consequences. Social policies predicated on environmentalist theories of group differences may fail to achieve their aims. Large swaths of academic work in both the humanities and social sciences assume the truth of environmentalism and are vulnerable to being undermined. We have failed to work through the moral implications of group differences to prepare for the possibility that they will be shown to exist.