ABSTRACT
The protagonists in the field of human intelligence often give the distinct impression that they already know the answer and are just searching around to find evidence to back up their points of view. Psychologists use arguments about intelligence much like most of us use a mirror. They bring to debates about intelligence the aspirations and prejudices of society at large, just as we do when we look at ourselves in the mirror. The end result is that psychology’s portrayal of intelligence tends to reflect society’s view of itself. This leaves our understanding of intelligence subject to change and reinterpretation. In the past, theories of intelligence reflected the view that it was acceptable to believe that different races or classes of people were innately inferior to others. However, it would be unacceptable for psychologists to present us with such an image of ourselves today. Elitism in all its forms is distinctly out of fashion. This makes discussing natural differences between individuals problematic. In educational terms, innate differences in intelligence run counter to the philosophy of opening up education to the broadest possible cross-section of society. In the government’s own words we are striving for ‘excellence for all’. This creates a dilemma for psychology. If the psychologist’s mirror is brought up to face humanity should it still see the differences between us?
