Shenk attempts to make the case that IQ exists in a dynamic between nurture and genetics in the Argument section. In 1904, Charles Spearman formed an equation to measure IQ
which was then “updated” by Lewis Terman in 1916 using standard deviation (pg
40). Although a similar system is still used today for both IQ and standardized
testing for schools, Sherman and Key found in 1932 that these scores can change
over time and James Flynn found that present day IQ levels are higher overall
than 100 years ago. Due to the fact that IQ levels were changing among individuals and our nation over time, Shenk suggested that this phenomenon proved our social atmosphere and demands were also factors on IQ levels.
Since IQ is a level of abstract and hypothetical reasoning and
problem solving, is there an evolutionary advantage to having and maintaining or
obtaining a high IQ level? If so, what
would be that best way to do that? If not, what should be tested and strived
for in order to better our gene pool? Explain your reasoning. (pg 35-51)
Alvin Varghese (alvin.varghese@hotmail.com)
Herrnstein and Murray's Social Change Argument also suggests that there is a greater societal demand for intelligence, "First, technology became more sophisticated and complex, creating a plethora of jobs requiring higher intelligence. Second, the educational system became more open, so those with greater cognitive ability could more easily be identified and sorted, particularly by type of university. Third, the economy and other institutional domains became more competitive, creating greater demand for higher-IQ workers, who are supposedly more productive and valuable. And, fourth, all institutional domains, particularly the economy, increased in "scale" and complexity, making even marginal gains in innovation and creativity more profitable and thereby placing a premium on more cognitively advantaged personnel" (http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=107&sid=71f06b99-b09e-4bf5-b1a8-74c214acabef%40sessionmgr12&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=3621338). While there may be a small biological evolutionary advantage in intelligence, there is a larger societal selective advantage; If higher intelligence allows you to get a better paying job, that job (and the money you make) can make you more attractive to potential partners.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, intelligence is not purely genetic. As Shenk believes, intelligence is somewhat based in genes, but heavily influenced by the environment, motivation, and the work you put into it. While intelligence is strived for by society, I don't believe that there is a huge evolutionary advantage when, according to Shenk, very few people ever reach their true limits. Because of this, I do not believe we need to strive for intelligence through genetics.
If anything, we should strive for healthy genetics, not for a more intelligent gene pool. However, there are still ethical concerns over genetic engineering and manipulation (Campbell 422).
Cassidy Levy (clevy3)
I believe that having or maintaining a exceptionally high IQ level is an evolutionary advantage in the sense that we are still alive. Humans are not exceptionally strong creatures, nor are they particularly fast. The main reason humans have excelled to such an extent is our intelligence and resourcefulness. Therefore I believe that being more intelligent allows humans to continue to survive in places where normally we could not live. A great example is the arctic. Without our technology, it would be impossible for humans to survive in such harsh conditions.
ReplyDeleteContinued schooling is an effective way of increasing ones IQ and taking on an occasional challenge or puzzle is a good way to maintain abstract and analytical thinking.
I agree with Cassidy that we should strive to eliminate genetic discrepancies but I also think that a continuation of the Flynn Effect would also be beneficial to the human race as we proceed into the turbulent future. As an example of the benefits of maintaining a high intelligence in society: "The study of viruses has led to the development of techniques that enable scientists to manipulate genes and transfer them from one organism to another"(Campbell 381)
Vlad Miskevich (vladmiskevich@yahoo.com)