Where Have All the Liberals Gone? Race, Class, and Ideals in America - Political Science Book on US Social Issues for College Students & Researchers

James Flynn is an expert on intelligence testing. His book "What is Intelligence?" reveals the crucial fact that intelligence tests have had to be recalibrated periodically because results have gradually improved over the decades. This is now known among sociologists as the "Flynn effect." The implications are profound. Either our grandparents were morons or we are geniuses or the tests are measuring something that changes over time. Flynn demonstrates that, although the tests do in part measure what can be considered genetically based intelligence, they also incorporate a cultural component, abstract reasoning, that has become increasingly prevalent in education as the developed world becomes more scientifically literate. It is difficult to praise "What is Intelligence?" enough."Where Have All the Liberals Gone?" brilliantly elaborates the implications of the nature of intelligence testing for minorities and others. These arguments are enclosed within a larger framework that is implied in the title. Flynn is arguing for liberal political policies and philosophy. This overall framework is not as rigorously organized or presented as the intelligence-specific sections, but is very valuable nonetheless. Many of his arguments are incisive. Also, the historical background information on liberal phiosophy and policies is helpful and illuminating.