/lit/ - Literature

Hi /lit/. Recently, a friend and I have been discussing the subject of a possible connection between race and IQ. Is it possible that there is a genetic basis for group differences in performance on IQ tests? What is the significance of those differences? As a disclaimer, I don't want to start a debate about it. I am soliciting opinions.

I am curious what you honestly think about it, as one of the more intellectually engaged communities on this website. (I saw the topic mentioned here in a discussion about Steven Pinker.) Anonymity presumably means there is less social-desirability bias in opinions expressed in this forum. I know 4chan has an edgy streak, but /lit/ seems more liberal than other boards.

Many of you may be unfamiliar with the details of the controversy, and that is OK too, but your opinions are a little less interesting.

Yeah, so basically David Hume > Sam Harris. Is-ought gap, and all that. We get it.

I still think utilitarianism is pretty plausible though, at least in some ways.

Also, I don't get all the hate for atheism. Religious beliefs are unjustifiable and unjustified beliefs have pernicious consequences. Sure, morality can't be derived from science; but if we have a clear-eyed view of reality, a fair amount of consensus can arise, and we can make the world into a place most of us would prefer to live in. I think most people would agree that secular developed countries are nicer places to live than Islamist theocracies.

I really tire of these faggots with their "Scientism is for gays! Muh continental philosophy! Look at this humorously exaggerated MS Paint comic!"