Poll

Should we require an IQ test to breed??

Absolutely!56%56% - 116
No way, free love, man ...35%35% - 74
What's an IQ test?7%7% - 16
Total: 206
Eizieki
Member
+5|6935|The UK
Brain development is thought to be due to interaction with your environment, which prompts the formation of interconnections between regions of the brain, which are involved in permitting semantic distinctions. (See Gerald M. Edelman)

If that's true the development of the brain (Often held to be responsible for Intelligence or IQ) is mainly related to environment and experience, not to genetics.

Exceptions in cases of inherited abnormalities affecting the brain of course, but in the normal healthy person it's what you're exposed to that determines it.
PuckMercury
6 x 9 = 42
+298|6795|Portland, OR USA
This can really lead to a cart and horse debate I suppose.  Or maybe that's chicken and egg.  But is it nature breeding nurture or nurture controlling nature?  Put differently, do intelligent people have intelligent offspring because they raise them intelligently, or due to reasons beyond that?

Genetics provide the slate/canvas.  I'm not supposing the canvas then populates itself.  However, without that foundation, no house will stand.

Last edited by puckmercury (2006-06-19 13:12:56)

CommieChipmunk
Member
+488|6837|Portland, OR, USA
there should certainly be a limit on the number of people that people could have ( i think two ) because we're going to reach our carrying capacity (9th grade bio) and some epidemic is guna wipe out a lot of people. (bird flu)
Wasder
Resident Emo Hater
+139|6943|Moscow, Russia
I said no, cause that's the way fascism starts.
Flecco
iPod is broken.
+1,048|6933|NT, like Mick Dundee

Wasder wrote:

I said no, cause that's the way fascism starts.
You saying that Australia was fascist for the first half of the 20th century?

This is a little to close to eugenics for me, which as an Australian who has some historical knowledge of Australia, strikes waaaaaaaaaay to close to home.

IQ test no, a test determining whether they are able to raise the child properly..... Hell yes, nurture > nature.

EDIT

Just wanted to add that intelligent parents and siblings is no guarantee of intelligence... There is a brilliant example where I live at the moment, a family with three children... Two are nearly geniuses and the third is... Uhh... Just plain dumb...

Last edited by Flecco (2006-06-19 13:25:52)

Whoa... Can't believe these forums are still kicking.
bigp66
Member
+63|6816|memphfrica-memphis,TN

Kung Jew wrote:

Gotta disagree here.  I vote 'no' because I believe prerequisites for reproduction sounds too much like trying to make a better race. We have to take the bad with the good, stupid with the smart, etc... 

This topic has a bazillion branching topics that spawn in my thoughts as I'm typing this.  Aryan races, Genetic research, moral ethics in cloning....

Interesting... 

Replies? Thoughts?

KJ

As a follow up line to the gene 'ool,  if I only had a nickel everytime I've wanted to shout:

*Loud whistle*  "You, yeah you, in the shallow end of the gene pool, GET OUT!"
ok look two fs don't make an A.....two retards make another tard
from mind of mencia...only difference is that I added and did not say everything he  said

Last edited by bigp66 (2006-06-19 13:25:41)

CameronPoe
Member
+2,925|6823
Maybe a better method would be to allow everybody to breed but if a particular child doesn't meet specific intelligence standards by the age of 10 then we give it a lethal injection. Sound good? Thought not. It's about a good a plan as the one being proposed here.
Flecco
iPod is broken.
+1,048|6933|NT, like Mick Dundee

CameronPoe wrote:

Maybe a better method would be to allow everybody to breed but if a particular child doesn't meet specific intelligence standards by the age of 10 then we give it a lethal injection. Sound good? Thought not. It's about a good a plan as the one being proposed here.
All the poison would cost too much so it is a terrible plan.... Use Cricket/Baseball bats it's cheaper as they can be recycled....

Uhh... Sorry if that offends anybody, my sense of humour has always been a little dark.

Last edited by Flecco (2006-06-19 13:28:33)

Whoa... Can't believe these forums are still kicking.
CameronPoe
Member
+2,925|6823

Flecco wrote:

CameronPoe wrote:

Maybe a better method would be to allow everybody to breed but if a particular child doesn't meet specific intelligence standards by the age of 10 then we give it a lethal injection. Sound good? Thought not. It's about a good a plan as the one being proposed here.
All the poison would cost too much so it is a terrible plan.... Use Cricket/Baseball bats it's cheaper as they can be recycled....

Uhh... Sorry if that offends anybody, my sense of humour has always been a little dark.
Or we could send them to take part in live one-on-one weaponless fights against lions and tigers in a massive arena. We could call it 'Retardiators'.

Last edited by CameronPoe (2006-06-19 16:57:12)

cheshiremoe
Evil Geniuses for a sparsely populated tomorrow
+50|6977
Three is a word for this topic of "improving the gene pool": Eugenics

What the poll is suggesting is Negative Eugenics which is restricting or removing selected traits from the gene pool.  We have already outlawed removing criminals and disabled people from the gene pool here in the US.

Positive Eugenics is when you encourage the spread of specific traits in the gene pool.
The_Guardsman
Tally Ho!!
+81|7013|I'm not sure.... Buts its dark
Fucking yes we do!!! I've meet to many idiots that should not be allowed to breed!! For the safty of the human race and for fact the last you want to do as a kid is find out he's an idiot!
PuckMercury
6 x 9 = 42
+298|6795|Portland, OR USA

CommieChipmunk wrote:

there should certainly be a limit on the number of people that people could have ( i think two ) because we're going to reach our carrying capacity (9th grade bio) and some epidemic is guna wipe out a lot of people. (bird flu)
Malthusian Theory realized.  Not really suggesting the Chinese approach here though.  Not that it is in any way without merit.  Not a surprising viewpoint from "CommieChipmunk" if the handle reflects your real life views at all.

CameronPoe wrote:

Or we could send them to take part in live one-on-one weaponless fights against lions and tigers in a massive arena. We could call it 'Retardiors'.
Uhm a bit dramatic, but very traditional Christian of you.  Having the name Daniel myself, I find it of particular interest.    Are you suggesting you see no problem, or that we haven't hit upon a solution you find palatteable?  If the latter, what would you suggest?

cheshiremoe wrote:

What the poll is suggesting is Negative Eugenics which is restricting or removing selected traits from the gene pool.  We have already outlawed removing criminals and disabled people from the gene pool here in the US.

Positive Eugenics is when you encourage the spread of specific traits in the gene pool.
To be honest, I think that's a shame.  There have been many studies that link violent and criminal traits through family lines.  This also brings up the nature vs. nurture debate.  So, perhaps we simply remove the children from those incarcerated.  If we've decided democratically that they are of no use to society, how can we then say they are fit to raise and form a new life in this world?

Last edited by puckmercury (2006-06-19 16:46:00)

cheshiremoe
Evil Geniuses for a sparsely populated tomorrow
+50|6977

puckmercury wrote:

To be honest, I think that's a shame.  There have been many studies that link violent and criminal traits through family lines.  This also brings up the nature vs. nurture debate.  So, perhaps we simply remove the children from those incarcerated.  If we've decided democratically that they are of no use to society, how can we then say they are fit to raise and form a new life in this world?
Thats correct in my opinion, but where do you draw the line of who can or can't raise kids.  We do, in some states, remove/execute extremely violent people form society.  I also think that society would not work if every one was as smart as the average person today, at least not with our current levels of technology.  If every one has a high IQ then no one will be suited for the repetitive mind numbing jobs. yeah they piss me off, but we still need them.
PuckMercury
6 x 9 = 42
+298|6795|Portland, OR USA

cheshiremoe wrote:

Thats correct in my opinion, but where do you draw the line of who can or can't raise kids.  We do, in some states, remove/execute extremely violent people form society.  I also think that society would not work if every one was as smart as the average person today, at least not with our current levels of technology.  If every one has a high IQ then no one will be suited for the repetitive mind numbing jobs. yeah they piss me off, but we still need them.
Point taken, however that is also likely to spur new thinking with respect to those tasks and better methods for accomplishing them.  And my point is that the "average person today" isn't smart at all.  Furthermore, that intelligence seems to be dropping.  As for IQ being a function of upbringing, the idea behind IQ is and always has been that it doesn't change.  It's intended to measure your aptitude for critical thinking and problem solving and your general propencity to absorb new information.
cheshiremoe
Evil Geniuses for a sparsely populated tomorrow
+50|6977

puckmercury wrote:

Point taken, however that is also likely to spur new thinking with respect to those tasks and better methods for accomplishing them.  And my point is that the "average person today" isn't smart at all.  Furthermore, that intelligence seems to be dropping.  As for IQ being a function of upbringing, the idea behind IQ is and always has been that it doesn't change.  It's intended to measure your aptitude for critical thinking and problem solving and your general propencity to absorb new information.
Yeah, my seventh grade science teacher believed that we are de-evolving as a species because of science and medical advances keeping people alive that should have died.  I think that we are not getting that much stupider, but our systems are failing to keep the quality levels up as the population of students grow.  I also think that the gap between the well educated and the not so well educated is growing (more people to the extream ends of the spectrum and fewer in the middle or average).
PuckMercury
6 x 9 = 42
+298|6795|Portland, OR USA

cheshiremoe wrote:

I also think that the gap between the well educated and the not so well educated is growing (more people to the extream ends of the spectrum and fewer in the middle or average).
Absolutely, but I think a lot of that is due to people not taking responsibility on themselves for the learning.  That along with parents not taking any responsibility on themselves for the education of their children.  They place the onus with the school system, public or private, to fully provide that education.  Granted, some school systems make it more or less difficult to obtain that education.  However, the school can only provide the substance, the parents can only try to shape the container, but it is up to the individual student to supply that mold and maintain its shape to retain that knowledge.
delta4bravo*nl*
Dutch Delight
+68|7020
I voted yes,, becouse that would mean that half of the USA would be stopped reproducing.
antin0de
Member
+44|6935|SL,UT
How bout we take all the "dumb" people and send them to "camps."  There they will be given good jobs, and can socialize, study, take up hobbies, and worship when they're not dying of typhus.  Or being disciplined for not making their beds.  Or for nothing at all.

Weed out <insert_type_of_person>?  Great idea!  It worked in Europe in the late 30's & early 40's, right?

Guys?

Where'd everyone go?
Kung Jew
That one mod
+331|7013|Houston, TX

antin0de wrote:

How bout we take all the "dumb" people and send them to "camps."  There they will be given good jobs, and can socialize, study, take up hobbies, and worship when they're not dying of typhus.  Or being disciplined for not making their beds.  Or for nothing at all.

Weed out <insert_type_of_person>?  Great idea!  It worked in Europe in the late 30's & early 40's, right?

Guys?

Where'd everyone go?
Be careful with the line you are walking on....   I recognize the humor and sarcasm, but some of our E.S.L. members might not connect the two.  You are likely to draw fire from this.  Be prepared.

KJ
Scorpion0x17
can detect anyone's visible post count...
+691|7033|Cambridge (UK)
yes, but most people are too stupid not to.

Last edited by Scorpion0x17 (2006-06-20 09:38:14)

Vampira_NB
Trying is the first step to failing
+76|6941|Canada Eh?
If only the smart are allowed to reproduce, the nerds will be partying in the streets! But after dark, the sunlight burns their pale skin.
PuckMercury
6 x 9 = 42
+298|6795|Portland, OR USA

Kung Jew wrote:

antin0de wrote:

How bout we take all the "dumb" people and send them to "camps."  There they will be given good jobs, and can socialize, study, take up hobbies, and worship when they're not dying of typhus.  Or being disciplined for not making their beds.  Or for nothing at all.

Weed out <insert_type_of_person>?  Great idea!  It worked in Europe in the late 30's & early 40's, right?

Guys?

Where'd everyone go?
Be careful with the line you are walking on....   I recognize the humor and sarcasm, but some of our E.S.L. members might not connect the two.  You are likely to draw fire from this.  Be prepared.

KJ
Sorry, KJ.  That particular point was raised by the aforementioned sir previously and I addressed it as best I could.  Did you not read it or did you have another angle? </avoiding flame war>
Agent_Dung_Bomb
Member
+302|7004|Salt Lake City

I say we just take all the stupid warning labels off every product and let nature take care of the rest.
cheshiremoe
Evil Geniuses for a sparsely populated tomorrow
+50|6977

Agent_Dung_Bomb wrote:

I say we just take all the stupid warning labels off every product and let nature take care of the rest.
I am down with that, but you have to eliminate the liability of the manufactures (no court cases brought by family members).
Agent_Dung_Bomb
Member
+302|7004|Salt Lake City

cheshiremoe wrote:

Agent_Dung_Bomb wrote:

I say we just take all the stupid warning labels off every product and let nature take care of the rest.
I am down with that, but you have to eliminate the liability of the manufactures (no court cases brought by family members).
Agreed.  They still need to include usage directions, just not the big (Darwin) warning labels, and no liability for misuse.

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