Genes, brains, and human potential : the science and ideology of intelligence / Ken Richardson.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A rigorous critique of how science has promoted an ideology of limited intelligence and social inequality--and how to overcome it.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

The intended audience for this dense book on human intelligence and potential is unclear. Richardson, a former senior lecturer in human development at the Open University, UK, has written multiple books on intelligence and cognitive development. Here, he claims that modern scientists rely too heavily on incomplete results from and misinterpretations of genetic and neuroscience research that widely miss the mark regarding the development of human potential. Although the author intends to argue that human potential is more dynamic than reductionist studies would have the public believe, the text is written in such a pessimistic and combative manner that it is challenging to truly grasp what is valid or hyperbole. The 12 chapters assume a familiarity with scientific terminology that may appeal only to those highly interested in the field of intelligence research or the most determined lay readers. Richardson provides occasional figures that elucidate some concepts but also inadvertently accentuate the lack of explanatory images for others. On a positive note, he excels at encouraging readers to question sloppy science. In sum, this is a confusing book with a definite agenda that will likely attract a limited readership. Summing Up: Optional. Graduate students, researchers, and faculty. --Carrie Leigh Iwema, University of Pittsburgh