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Arthur Jensen, evolutionary biology, and racism
1James Madison College, Michigan State University.
History of Psychology
|July 28, 2022
Summary
Arthur Jensen's claims of biologically based racial differences in intelligence lacked scientific evidence. His arguments relied on outdated race science and were central to his eugenic concerns.
Area of Science:
- * Psychology
- * Population Genetics
- * Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- * Arthur R. Jensen (1923-2012) proposed that differences in intelligence between socially defined races were biologically determined.
- * Jensen cited population genetics and evolutionary biology to support his claims.
- * His work drew heavily on 19th-century race science and Nazi-era eugenics.
Observation:
- * An examination of Jensen's arguments through the lens of population genetics and evolutionary biology reveals significant evidentiary shortcomings.
- * His evidence did not meet the minimum requirements to establish socially defined races as distinct genetic populations.
Findings:
- * Jensen's reliance on discredited race science and eugenic ideologies underpinned his claims.
- * His work reflected fears of societal decline due to dysgenic breeding by individuals of lower intelligence.
Implications:
- * Jensen's associations with scientific racists were integral to his research, not peripheral.
- * The study highlights the critical need for rigorous scientific standards and ethical considerations in research on human intelligence and race.