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To: USConstitutionBuff
But there has been much good Science done on the subject and the verdict is in. There is much less actual difference on a molecular level between all human populations than anyone ever assumed.

The quantity or quality of differences on a molecular level do not necessarily relate the the quantity or quality of differences on a gross physical level. The molecular differences that lead to certain genetic diseases can be very small but the effects can be profound.

Anyone who says that the work hasn't been done, or that the definitive answer is to be found in the shape of skulls rather than in genotype, is trying to sell something and it usually isn't something nice they are trying to sell.

Please note that I'm not simply talking about skull shapes, though I don't think it's unreasonable to wonder whether the shape and size of a brain affects the function of the brain and whether the shape and size of the brain's container (the skull) reflects or determines the shape and size of the brain and thus how it functions. I'm talking about studying the distribution of just about any trait along racial or sexual lines. All such research has become off-limits on the basis that it must inherently be racist or sexist.

And the difference is cultural, not genetic. Middle class black children raised in houses with books do much better than lower class white children raised in houses without books in just about every measure. Family income and literacy are far better indicators of academic success than skin color.

As I said, I believe this, too. And it's my relatively certainty that this is true that makes me not fear such research. Properly done, such research should show that skull shape and brain size really do have no impact on general intelligence.

56 posted on 10/31/2005 10:25:26 AM PST by Question_Assumptions
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To: Question_Assumptions
"Properly done, such research should show that skull shape and brain size really do have no impact on general intelligence."

There is a correlation between size of the brain and intelligence, but if you think correlation is causality you can have Andre the Giant for your academic decathlon, and I'll take the small skulled Steven Hawking. And once again I reiterate, there is no real payoff in doing this type of work. Even if you discover a high correlation between some skull feature and high intelligence how do you use this data to profit anyone?
57 posted on 10/31/2005 10:31:37 AM PST by USConstitutionBuff
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