40 pages 1 hour read

Stephen Jay Gould

The Mismeasure Of Man

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1982

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Mismeasure of Man by Stephen Jay Gould is a critique of 19th- and 20th-century theories claiming that human intelligence is a fixed, measurable quantity. Gould argues that biases influenced the scientific methods and conclusions of the time, leading to flawed approaches such as craniometry and IQ testing. He critiques these methods, highlighting their lack of evidence for race-based intellectual differences, and he discusses their detrimental social impacts. Sensitive topics include historical instances of racism and their influence on scientific theories.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Stephen Jay Gould's The Mismeasure of Man receives acclaim for its thorough critique of biological determinism. Its clear writing and powerful argumentation are praised, though some critics find flaws in Gould's interpretation of historical data and his polemical stance. This work remains influential, stirring both approval and academic debate.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Mismeasure Of Man?

Readers who enjoy The Mismeasure Of Man by Stephen Jay Gould are typically interested in science, history, and social issues. They appreciate critiques of scientific methodologies. Fans of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari or Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond, which also explore historical and scientific analyses, may find this book compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1360L

Book Details

Topics

History: World

Sociology

Anthropology

Themes

Natural World: Nurture v. Nature

Genre

Anthropology

Psychology

Philosophy