Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

Aporia gets a hit piece in the Guardian

2122 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📰 News Media Journalism Politics Activism Science
  1. The article criticizes a hit piece on Aporia Magazine by The Guardian for associating the magazine with scientific racism and attacking anti-woke activist Chris Rufo.
  2. The piece points out the tactic of using experts to lend authority to playground insults, such as labeling Aporia as 'seriously nasty' and 'scientific racist'.
  3. The article highlights the tactic of quoting out of context, like criticizing statements about racial differences in intelligence, without actually refuting the claims.

Feminism run amok

1434 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Evolutionary Psychology Society Human nature
  1. Feminism may ignore natural attractions and preferences, leading to dissatisfaction in relationships.
  2. Feminism can push individuals away from their natural inclinations, affecting their fulfillment in life.
  3. Feminism's disregard for reproductive biology can contribute to societal issues like declining marriages and tensions between sexes.

Created unequal

1375 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Equality Morality Political Metaphysical
  1. Human inequality is a reality that cannot be denied - some are faster, smarter, or more talented than others.
  2. There are distinct but related conceptions of equality: empirical, metaphysical, moral, and political equality.
  3. Political equality, where individuals are treated equally under the law, is a pragmatic and fair form of equality to strive for.

Hereditarian Hypotheses Aren't More Harmful

1238 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genetics Bioethics Technology Research Health
  1. The blank slate perspective can lead to conflict, totalitarianism, and rejection of genetic enhancement technology.
  2. We should value understanding the role of genes in socioeconomic outcomes for accurate policy-making.
  3. Attributing group disparities to genes can reduce blame, control, and punishment, fostering compassion and reducing social conflict.
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The Genetic Time Machine: Neanderthals, genomics and hybridization priors

982 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genomics Evolutionary biology Anthropology Genetics
  1. 200 thousand years of isolation may not be enough for genetic incompatibilities to develop
  2. Genomics has revolutionized evolutionary biology by providing precise insights with massive amounts of data
  3. The mixing of Neanderthal and modern human lineages led to genetic incompatibilities and selection against Neanderthal-origin DNA in modern humans

Good Schools or Good Genes?

943 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🚌 Education Debate Social Mobility Schooling Meritocracy
  1. Debate on grammar schools vs. comprehensives is rooted in egalitarianism vs. meritocracy.
  2. Studies show grammar schools do not significantly improve student grades or social mobility compared to comprehensives.
  3. Grammar school debate reflects underlying issues of classism and societal perceptions of education.

Does IQ alone explain Jewish success?

864 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Society Psychology History Ethics
  1. Jewish success cannot be solely explained by high IQ, other factors play a role.
  2. Differences in Jewish values, Protestant Work Ethic, personality traits, and in-group favoritism may contribute to success.
  3. Studies show that Jews exhibit unique socio-psychological traits that may enhance their achievements in various domains.

Mind Viruses

746 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🔬 Science Demographics Ideology Media Culture
  1. Ideas can spread like viruses from person to person, affecting fitness and function.
  2. The impact of mind viruses can be seen in historical case studies like the Xhosa Cattle-Killing Movement and Brazilian Soap Operas.
  3. Secularism in France and the Bradlaugh-Besant Trial in the UK are examples of how ideologies can shape demographic transitions.

The evolved functions of morality: From the Haidts to the depths.

628 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Morality Evolutionary Psychology Altruism Social Sciences
  1. Morality is more than just virtue; it involves judgments of wrongness and desire for punishment.
  2. The explanation for morality may go beyond altruism and virtues, delving into darker aspects.
  3. Understanding moral judgments involves looking at nonconsequentialism, desire for punishment, impartiality, and presence of a victim.

Is self-censorship rising in the US?

373 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Ethnicity IQ Survey Opinions
  1. Research suggests a positive link between IQ and socioeconomic status across ethnic groups.
  2. A study shows a growing IQ disparity between Japan and the US, with an increase in average IQ in Japan attributed to environmental improvements.
  3. Survey data indicates a decrease in the freedom to express political opinions in Germany, particularly among young people, less educated individuals, and supporters of specific political parties.

Are teachers biased against boys?

373 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🚌 Education Research Bias
  1. The Wason selection task is easier when framed as cheater detection.
  2. The attractiveness halo effect can be changed with new information.
  3. General cognitive ability has a lower correlation with job performance in the 21st century compared to the 20th century.

Aporia New York meet up

275 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Magazine
  1. Matt Archer and Jonathan Anomaly will be in NYC on Thursday, February 22nd for a meet-up.
  2. Those in NYC interested in meeting up can email [email protected] for details on location and timing.
  3. The previous meet-ups in Athens, Istanbul, and Madrid were enjoyable and provided opportunities to meet like-minded individuals.