[ExI] No need for radical changes in human nature/was Re: Private and government R&D

[Stathis Papaioannou]

2009/7/11 Mirco Romanato <painlord2k at libero.it>:

>> But perhaps it is the IQ differential rather than absolute IQ which
>> leads to the difference in violent behaviour; i.e., you use brute
>> force when you can't outsmart someone. The conclusion that boosting IQ
>> would decrease crime is not supported by the evidence given even if
>> the evidence is accepted at face value.
>
> High IQ people could resort to violence and crime when they can not
> outsmart their opponent in not-violent, not-criminal ways. But they
> would have more to lose resorting to violence than lower IQ people.
>
> The problem with crime, in this case, is how much costly and dangerous
> is to resort to crime and violence. High IQ people could base their
> behaviour on a more rational choice and planning, where lower IQ people
> would act more irrational and emotional and usually they will plan
> poorly or not plan.

A very intelligent person might *rationally plan* violence: for
example, he might figure out a way to have himself appointed king,
build up an army, and invade his weaker or duller neighbours. This
kind of thing has led to more violence and suffering in the world than
the impulse to hit someone and steal their wallet.


-- 
Stathis Papaioannou