Questions for Discussion

1. Stephen Jay Gould’s argument focuses on research about women’s brain size, but—more important—what does he say about the nature of scientific inquiry—that is, about how scientists think?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Questions for Discussion: Stephen Jay Gould’s argument focuses on research about women’s brain size, but—more important—what does he say about the nature of scientific inquiry—that is, about how scientists think?
2. What does Gould mean when he says, “Women were singularly denigrated but they also stood as surrogates for other disenfranchised groups” (para. 13)?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Questions for Discussion: What does Gould mean when he says, “Women were singularly denigrated but they also stood as surrogates for other disenfranchised groups” (para. 13)?
3. Why does Gould say, “I do not regard as empty rhetoric the claim that women’s battles are for all of us” (para. 13)? Is he being patronizing? Does such a personal comment undermine his scientific credibility? Explain.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Questions for Discussion: Why does Gould say, “I do not regard as empty rhetoric the claim that women’s battles are for all of us” (para. 13)? Is he being patronizing? Does such a personal comment undermine his scientific credibility? Explain.
4. Gould’s essay was published in 1980, and it centers on research conducted a century before that. What case can you make that Gould’s true subject was not women, but assumptions about the abilities of certain groups?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Questions for Discussion: Gould’s essay was published in 1980, and it centers on research conducted a century before that. What case can you make that Gould’s true subject was not women, but assumptions about the abilities of certain groups?
5. Would individuals accustomed to scientific texts have an easier time reading this essay? Why or why not? How do your own experience and prior knowledge of a topic affect your reading process?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Questions for Discussion: Would individuals accustomed to scientific texts have an easier time reading this essay? Why or why not? How do your own experience and prior knowledge of a topic affect your reading process?