Race and I.Q.

A number of years ago (1989), UWO psychologist Phil Rushton caused a stir with his publication of some articles about the average differences in IQ between different races. In response, the university (among many things) brought in noted left-wing geneticist, David Suzuki to debate Rushton. Suzuki emoted tremendously; Suzuki adopted a position of moral superiority; but Suzuki did nothing to counter Rushton's arguments. I was extremely disappointed in Suzuki's performance. But I wasn't ready to buy into Rushton's position.

Over the past 16 years, there have been many attacks and counterattacks on the topic. And to date, Rushton has not been KO'ed. Here is a summary of some of the recent research, from the Ottawa Citizen.

Rushton's research has a direct bearing on the discussion going on the past few days between Tyler Cowen, Jane Galt, and Bryan Caplan.