Post by cherise on Sept 26, 2017 2:38:26 GMT
Galton saw that most eminent people came from a small number of families. The implication here is that the quality that resulted in this eminence, intelligence, was hereditary(M,p.99). However he fails to observe that these "eminent people" also happened to be socially constructed in similar environments , with exposure to mannerisms, languages, skills and social circles that differed in quite small degrees. In being in such an environment it's likely to result in similar outcome that Galton attributes only to blood relations , where it is actually to a larger extent a result of environment(M,p.99).
Clearly Galton as intelligent as he was, somehow even with blood ties to a Noble nativist Darwin, was unable to realize that he exposed his own motive for his assertion, ego.
When an individual is constructed in an environment conducive to their advancement, it is quite likely they will advance and vice versa the opposite is also true. We should observe as many perspectives as possible and with caution as to not allow ego to drive observation to fact. If we do this, it will be to our dismay as was the case of Galtons assertion that has clearly been proven to be false multiple times in today's Western and even Northern European societies.
We should nurture our society then, in a fashion that is conducive to our open mindedness, to achieve independant and intelligent thinkers, but with caution. Nature is the door, but our environment is key that unlocks all opportunities , good or bad.
Moghaddem,F. M. (2005). Great ideas in Psychology: A Cultural and Historical Introduction. Oxford: Oneworld Publication).