3 chapters across the catalog
The origins of the IQ test are traced back to Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon in 1905, originally intended to identify children needing academic help. The hosts critique the mathematical formula (mental age divided by chronological age multiplied by 100) and the culturally biased questions used at Ellis Island. They question whether early testing gives children an unfair advantage in accessing elite educational tracks.
A series of clips from Jordan Peterson outlines the IQ requirements for various professions. Peterson states that an IQ of 116-130 is necessary for attorneys, chemists, and executives, while the very top of the hierarchy requires 145-160. He defines intelligence as "speed," arguing that smarter people reach the top of "dominance hierarchies" simply because they get there first.
In a 1974 clip, William Shockley defends his "raceology" theories, claiming that "least effective elements" of the black community are out-breeding the "intellectual class." The hosts critique his reliance on IQ tests, comparing them to flawed COVID tests. They argue that Shockley ignores the "nurture" aspect of human development, focusing solely on a cold, calculated genetic "nature."
