Scientific debate is difficult when terms are so ill-defined. Apparently JW suggests that the notion of "equal powers of reason" across all races are a delusion. What on earth does that mean? Is it really possible to measure "powers of reason" in any way that people agree on. Can we define "race" in any way that people agree on?
If by "acceptable debate" one means that a thing can be debated in a scientific way", I agree with the Science Museum. One can debate such issues, but it will not in any way resemble a scientific debate.
Lesley
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science on behalf of Philip Brown
Sent: Thu 18/10/2007 09:45
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PSCI-COM] Jim Watson, Race and Intelligence
Why the deafening silence here about the Jim Watson, race and intelligence
issue?
According to Radio 4 the Science Museum said that the matter went beyond the
bounds of acceptable debate.
What are these bounds?
Phil Brown
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