Opposing the denial of race differences and the claim that they do not matter anyway, Michael Levin explains why these differences do matter. He summarizes what has been written about the differences in intelligence and temperament, and, more important, explores their larger significance. He rejects charges that biological explanations of behavior are reductivist or determinist, and he explains the circularity of explaining culture in terms of culture.
Levin's naturalistic outlook finds no group superior and predicts moral divergence among groups evolving in different environments. With logical rigor, Levin addresses conceptual issues not touched upon in previous hereditarian work, drawing striking conclusions about justice, race consciousness, affirmative action, individualism, and private and state action. Scholars, researchers, policymakers, and the reading public concerned with issues of race relations, social philosophy, contemporary moral problems, and the psychology of race differences will find the book provocative. No one making an effort to think clearly about race can ignore Why Race Matters.
Praise for Why Race Matters:
Philosopher Michael Levin has delivered one of the most authoritative and incisive treatises on the importance of race ever written. — J. Philippe Rushton, University of Western Ontario
Why Race Matters does exactly what the title promises — it removes all illusions about the insignificance of race. — Jared Taylor, editor, American Renaissance
Levin's mastery of the subject is evinced in his book's amazingly broad and detailed scope and analytical depth. — Arthur R. Jensen, U.C. Berkeley
