Word: herrnsteins
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...experts in the field. But it is clear that Herrnstein has overlooked one side of an intellectual debate and based a potentially inflammatory argument on some highly disputable facts. Writing in a popular magazine, he has endowed his reasoning with a pseudo-scientific rigor that belies the controversial nature of his assumptions...
...uphold Herrnstein's right to publish his theory. But we are not convinced by the statement of 107 Faculty members which defends Herrnstein on the grounds of a vague "intellectual freedom." This freedom is apparently all-inclusive; at least, its proponents have not taken the time to define it. The boundary between ideas and actions is an academic distinction. The distinction, while fuzzy, is important. Generally, intellectual freedom guarantees that ideas will be opposed only by other ideas, and that a theorist will always have a place in the academic community. But in some cases, when theorists become policymakers...
...Herrnstein's ideas also have potentially dangerous implications. His statement that contemporary society demonstrates "the advancement of people on the basis of ability" gives "scientific" fuel to defenders of the status quo. And his prognosis of a hereditary caste of the unemployable could leave ominous thoughts in the minds of some readers. It is unfortunate that Herrnstein decided to publish such an irresponsible article on a topic of immense social importance. But we question only his discretion, not his right to publish. And we agree that, in this case, the concept of intellectual freedom applies. Herrnstein's opponents should limit...
...faculty members who supported Herrnstein in a public statement have misrepresented the actions of SDS and UAG. In broad terms they have accused the two groups of making "personal attacks upon Professor Herrnstein--by false and offensive placards, leaflets, picketing, and threats to disrupt his classes," By lumping together these types of protest, the professors seek to eliminate acceptable forms of opposition to Herrnstein's thought. Herrnstein wrote an article with clear political implications. He and his supporters must expect opposition. Leafleting and picketing are justifiable tactics for his adversaries, but the tactics should focus on the ideas...
...reading it. Too many people have accepted the ideas without challenging them. SDS and UAG have helped raise the issues in the Harvard community. Although their actions are clearly not punishable under any rational and equitable system, the two groups have at times lapsed into personal attacks and quoted Herrnstein out of context. But by publicizing the uncertainty of the ideas and the potential harm of their implications, SDS and UAG have performed a service...