The Science of Intelligence

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 93 views

What Pseudoscience Does Calvin Candie Utilize When Describing the Difference Between Black Intellectualism and White Intellectualism?

Understanding the Context

Calvin Candie, a fictional character from Quentin Tarantino's film "Django Unchained," is a wealthy plantation owner who uses pseudoscientific theories to justify the superiority of white intellectualism over black intellectualism. His views are rooted in the racist ideologies of the time, which were used to justify slavery and the oppression of African Americans. In this article, we will explore the pseudoscientific theories that Calvin Candie utilizes to describe the difference between black intellectualism and white intellectualism.

The Concept of Racial Hierarchy

Calvin Candie's views on intellectualism are deeply rooted in the concept of racial hierarchy. He believes that whites are inherently superior to blacks and that this superiority is reflected in their intellectual abilities. This idea is a classic example of pseudoscience, as it is based on a flawed assumption that one's racial background determines their intellectual capacity. In reality, intelligence is a complex trait that is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

The Use of Phrenology

Calvin Candie also uses phrenology, a discredited pseudoscience that claims to determine a person's intelligence and character by examining the shape and size of their skull. Phrenology was popular in the 19th century, but it has been widely discredited as a scientific theory. Despite its lack of scientific basis, phrenology was used to justify racist ideologies and to reinforce the idea that certain racial groups were inherently inferior.

The Concept of "Savage" vs. "Civilized"

Calvin Candie also uses the concept of "savage" vs. "civilized" to describe the difference between black intellectualism and white intellectualism. He believes that blacks are inherently "savage" and that this savagery is reflected in their intellectual abilities. This idea is a classic example of pseudoscience, as it is based on a flawed assumption that one's racial background determines their level of civilization. In reality, civilization is a complex trait that is influenced by a combination of cultural, social, and economic factors.

The Use of Social Darwinism

Calvin Candie also uses social Darwinism, a pseudoscientific theory that claims to justify the survival of the fittest in society. Social Darwinism was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but it has been widely discredited as a scientific theory. Despite its lack of scientific basis, social Darwinism was used to justify racist ideologies and to reinforce the idea that certain racial groups were inherently inferior.

The Concept of "Intellectual Superiority"

Calvin Candie also uses the concept of "intellectual superiority" to describe the difference between black intellectualism and white intellectualism. He believes that whites are inherently superior to blacks in terms of their intellectual abilities. This idea is a classic example of pseudoscience, as it is based on a flawed assumption that one's racial background determines their level of intellectual ability. In reality, intelligence is a complex trait that is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

The Use of Eugenics

Calvin Candie also uses eugenics, a pseudoscientific theory that claims to justify the selective breeding of humans based on their racial background. Eugenics was popular in the early 20th century, but it has been widely discredited as a scientific theory. Despite its lack of scientific basis, eugenics was used to justify racist ideologies and to reinforce the idea that certain racial groups were inherently inferior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Calvin Candie's views on intellectualism are rooted in a range of pseudoscientific theories that were used to justify racist ideologies and to reinforce the idea that certain racial groups were inherently inferior. These theories include the concept of racial hierarchy, the use of phrenology, the concept of "savage" vs. "civilized," the use of social Darwinism, the concept of "intellectual superiority," and the use of eugenics. These pseudoscientific theories have been widely discredited as scientific theories, and they have no basis in reality.

Recommendations

Based on our analysis of Calvin Candie's views on intellectualism, we recommend the following:

Critical thinking: When evaluating claims about intellectualism, it is essential to use critical thinking and to consider the evidence that supports or refutes these claims.
Scientific literacy: It is essential to have a basic understanding of scientific theories and to be able to evaluate the evidence that supports or refutes these theories.
Cultural competence: It is essential to have a basic understanding of cultural differences and to be able to evaluate the impact of these differences on intellectual abilities.
Empathy: It is essential to be able to empathize with individuals from different racial and cultural backgrounds and to be able to evaluate the impact of these differences on intellectual abilities.

References

Tarantino, Q. (2012). Django Unchained. The Weinstein Company.
Gould, S. J. (1981). The Mismeasure of Man. W.W. Norton & Company.
Kevles, D. J. (1985). In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity. Alfred A. Knopf.
Lewontin, R. C. (1972). The Apportionment of Human Diversity. Evolutionary Biology, 6, 381-398.

Further Reading

The History of Eugenics: A comprehensive overview of the history of eugenics and its impact on society.
The Science of Intelligence: A comprehensive overview of the science of intelligence and its relationship to intellectual abilities.
Racial Hierarchy: A comprehensive overview of the concept of racial hierarchy and its impact on society.
Phrenology: A comprehensive overview of the pseudoscientific theory of phrenology and its impact on society.