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Comment by yieldcrv | Hacker News Reader

Look I’m not trying to exclude groups of people with this observation

But it seems like people avoid this observation based on the idea that whoever makes it is going to use it to exclude people

How is every trait simply genetic with both humans, and other species, even our pets! but when it comes to cognitive function - in humans - it has to be socioeconomic mish mash that can’t be quantified so don’t ask or do that research. But even with our pets we’re like just kidding I picked this breed because they’re smart.

Is it because we’ve proved humans are all too similar? Is it because we’ve annihilated the ones that weren’t similar already? Isn’t that how we got to this point if that’s the case?

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>How is every trait simply genetic with both humans, and other species, even our pets! but when it comes to cognitive function - in humans - it has to be socioeconomic mish mash that can’t be quantified so don’t ask or do that research.

There's no need for confusion because it's not so black and white as this. Animal cognitive ability is also heavily related to upbringing and environment. Human cognitive ability is somewhat genetic, but you have to realize that humans weren't bred by another species for thousands of years to exhibit certain phenotypes and behaviors. There's no equivalent to this in humans.

So there’s a contradiction in how “we” (who specifically do you mean?) talk about iq. And from that you conclude what? That iq is genetic?

That’s bad reasoning. It doesn’t say anything about what the truth is to observe that we’re mixed up about it. The truth is out there in the real world, not socially constructed.

I agree that IQ is not a sufficient standardized cognitive metric, and I didn't mention it at all

I think it is an out standing question then about how cognitive ability is measured, as thats unresolved too

I think its negligent to say neural configuration and computational capacity cant be genetic, just because we’re worried about what someone is going to do with that information

Sure, they could be. The evidence doesn’t bear that out as a primary cause, but it’s possible to the best of my knowledge.

The fact that you need an atmosphere to keep your body from falling apart makes me question the idea that every trait is genetic.

Also regarding "cognitive function", we happen to have an awfully abundant intelligent population in this century. Coincidence, or do Europeans simply have better genes?

Since the environment isn't allowed to improve cognitive functions, we must go down the path of racism and facism. Great!

But these are strawmen arguments, specifically ones I didn't make to discredit the observation that I did make

you’re assuming I’m talking about something eurocentric

I think it is a good point about the environment changing over the last century, benefiting everyone, it is also leaves unresolved the cognitive disparities in that benefit too

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