Genetic Superiority

[theleftone]

I was having a private message discussion with an individual who informed me I was incapable of understanding their reasoning because I was genetically inferior. They likened trying to explain the concepts to me was like explaining mathematics to a dog. Hence, I thought this idea might be a good topic for debate.


Questions for debate:

Is there a such thing as genetic superiority? If so, what is it? How do we know it's "superior?" How do we determine if one's genetic make-up is superior to another? If one is genetically superior, is it acceptable behavior to belittle the inferior with the concept? What are some other ethical and moral implications of the concept?

Addendum (edit): Another question. Is it possible to have genetically superior intellect and be capable of understand concepts which genetically inferiors cannot understand?

[Cathar1950]

I can't believe they told you tselem. We have been guarding that secret. Tell me whom it is so we can have them punished for letting you know.

Addendum (edit): Another question. Is it possible to have genetically superior intellect and be capable of understand concepts which genetically inferiors cannot understand?

Not among us humans. There are those that think dolphins maybe superior but they are to kind to let us know.
It sounds like they guy is a kook.

[McCulloch]

Is there a such thing as genetic superiority? If so, what is it? How do we know it's "superior?" How do we determine if one's genetic make-up is superior to another? If one is genetically superior, is it acceptable behavior to belittle the inferior with the concept? What are some other ethical and moral implications of the concept?

There genetic differences. Otherwise evolution would not work. Note to creationists: Here I am talking about the type of evolution that we all agree happens not the evolution of new species. But the difficulty is how to determine which genetic traits are superior. It is much easier to determine which genetic traits are inferior. There are genetic susceptibilities to certain diseases. Arguably, these are a form of genetic inferiority. There is research which suggests that certain forms of cognitive disfunction may have genetic causes. These genetic traits may also be genetic inferiority of a sort. But since we are all a very complex mix of genetic and other traits, it would be nearly impossible to determine whether one specific human is genetically superior to another, except in very clear cut cases.
Anyone, other than an expert geneticist, who would make any other claims is mistaken.

Addendum (edit): Another question. Is it possible to have genetically superior intellect and be capable of understand concepts which genetically inferiors cannot understand?

I don't think that our current understanding of genetics can answer that. Perhaps. But what we are capable of understanding is affected by more than just genetics.

For instance, Downs Syndrome is a genetic disorder. People with Downs usually have a greater difficulty understanding academic subjects than people without Downs. Therefore, one could hypothesize that there may be people who are as far advanced beyond other humans as people with Downs are behind due to genetic factors. However, such a gene has not been identified nor has such a genetic variation ever been identified by reputable researchers.

[Cathar1950]

My Children have relatives with Downs it is on the mothers side of course. My side had Huntington's i didn't get the gene before any one gets ideas. But My point is people with Downs could for some reason not be susceptible to insanity caused by difficult text books. This insanity causes them to quit breeding so before lone only people with Downs breed and pass it on. Then they would be superior and take over. The world might be a better place. Of course this is all hypothetical to say the least.

[juliod]

Then they would be superior and take over.

Of course, Downs Syndrome is a very sever genetic abnormality (a trisomy) and the victims usually have very low fertility.

Is there a such thing as genetic superiority?

The fact is that there probalby is a genetic component to intellect, but in practical terms it is impossible to weed out. There's no agreement on how to measure intelligence, and no known correlation with life attributes. Like in Dilbert, the most intelligent person you know might be the garbage man. How could you tell?

We have ample evidence that out business, political, and cultural leaders are not the mental giants. We might look for high intelligence among us scientists and scholars, but some of this group are the most dim people you can imagine.

My view is that the genetic component of intelligence is minor (maybe 10%) compared to the factors of upbringing, education, and motivation.

DanZ

[Cathar1950]

I will have to agree with you Dan. IQ test measure grades and grades are more socially aquired.

Of course, Downs Syndrome is a very sever genetic abnormality (a trisomy) and the victims usually have very low fertility.

Well that sucks. I was looking forward to the new world order. Maybe they can still outbreed the crazy smart people. Or the rich.

[Cathar1950]

In a book called “schooled to order” they show how IQ tests measure how well a person does in school (grades). Students get good grades for doing what they are told, social status, social environment, and finishing their homework. They also tend to be uncreative as a group norm. While poor grades are often given to those with opposite qualities and creativity is often suppressed. The test questions measure grades. The ones that fail to distinguish between poor or good grades are tossed out. Naturally I am ignoring many other variables. But these variables do seem to be significant.
Let’s get back to your weird friend. He doesn’t know what he is talking about and I wonder how deep his gene pool is and what kind of family tree he has.
I think we should all see the information on your side and his then we can say with certainty he is wrong. Now it is just a good guess.

[bernee51]

In a book called “schooled to order” they show how IQ tests measure how well a person does in school (grades). Students get good grades for doing what they are told, social status, social environment, and finishing their homework. They also tend to be uncreative as a group norm. While poor grades are often given to those with opposite qualities and creativity is often suppressed. The test questions measure grades. The ones that fail to distinguish between poor or good grades are tossed out. Naturally I am ignoring many other variables. But these variables do seem to be significant.

I remember reading somewhere that a certain US president once expressed his dismay on learning that 50% of Americans had below average IQ.

[McCulloch]

...
Let’s get back to your weird friend. He doesn’t know what he is talking about and I wonder how deep his gene pool is and what kind of family tree he has.
I think we should all see the information on your side and his then we can say with certainty he is wrong. Now it is just a good guess.

We have not been privy to the private messages, nor have we been privy to the reasoning of your friend. But I suspect that he has little or no evidence to support his claim and that it is not based on any real genetic or neurological studies, but racism. Just a guess.

[McCulloch]

I remember reading somewhere that a certain US president once expressed his dismay on learning that 50% of Americans had below average IQ.

It is unfair to label this President as being the worst president in History. He is also worst in Geography, Economics, Mathematics and English.