To know or not to know, that is the q.

Peter Singer on investigating genetic black-white differences as regards intelligence:

[T]o say that we should not carry out research in this area is equivalent to saying that we should reject open-minded investigation of the causes of inequalities in income, education, and health between people of different racial or ethnic groups. When faced with such major social problems, a preference for ignorance over knowledge is difficult to defend.

He’s not my favorite scientist, but I think he has nailed the issue in the James Watson brouhaha that has given legs to this very sensitive discussion.

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