>>11399483The genetics to 'race' correlation is irrelevant. I'm focusing on the relationship between genetics and brain architecture, specifically the characteristics of volume, density and surface area (convolutions). The studies discussed throughout Haier's book detail how the connection between distinguishing features of the brain are so strongly correlated with the results of intelligence tests that they are predictive. Prediction is a strong indicator of causality (though not a definite one).
My logic is:
Some genes influence the structure of the brain -> the brain varies is size, weight and surface area -> differences in the physical attributes of the brain are responsible for differences in measured intelligence.
From this train of logic, we can create a few more connections:
Genes influence the brain -> different populations have different sets of genes -> different populations may or may not have brain-influencing genes (possibly incorrect, contested in contemporary studies, continuity hypothesis):
-> if YES, differences in brain size among different populations is at least partially genetic. -> we should expect differences in intelligence due to brain size and genetics.
-> if NO, things get more complicated and we move into the field of epigenetics and environmental factors.
I really don't give a shit about race, and I'd be one of the first to admit that environmental factors certainly do take a role in determining intelligence and consequently all of the outcomes of high/low intelligence. I would also say that many of the environmental factors which diminish intelligence over time are detectable as anomalous activity in the brain (childhood obesity is associated with an impairment in brain development, for example.) My argument is that genes influence the brain, and the structure of the brain is the primary factor in determining intelligence.
