Was the Great Harvard Scientist E. O. Wilson a Racist?
Skeptic | Michael Shermer
“Because Wilson corresponded with the notorious race differences psychologist Phillippe Rushton, critics claim it proves Wilson was a racist. Here’s why the critics are wrong, dangerously wrong,” argues FAIR Advisor Michael Shermer.
In this Skeptic piece, Shermer defends renowned Harvard University evolutionary biologist, conservationist, and two-time Pulitzer Prize winning writer Edward O. Wilson from accusations. Wilson recently passed away, allowing him no defense against recent hit pieces aimed at cementing the racist caricature.
“The critics’ strategy ultimately backfired because Wilson never said anything to suggest racial superiority. Still…some people conflated Wilson’s discourse on the biological roots of human behavior with racist ideas. In response, Wilson took pains to explicitly denounce those claims. He said, explicitly, that racist pronouncements find no support in biology… For decades, until his death, Wilson’s clarification sufficed. But since he can no longer defend himself, the critics are back reiterating the same accusations.”
Shermer’s work is meticulous and thorough. His research includes Wilson’s original letters, which Shermer requested from the Library of Congress. Shermer published these letters in this piece to help exonerate a defamed scientist and defender of academic freedom.