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OK. In this case the standard methods of social science ought to be able to determine whether there is a difference between the intelligence of blacks and whites. Every few years we get into a big argument about this issue, but at least in principle it ought to be one that can be settled by an appeal to facts.

But I agree with Fred. I wonder whether the question of relevance can always be answered in this way. I have my doubts.

Consider this possibility. Suppose two groups of people have two different social ideals. One wants to see men and women represented about equally in most occupations. The other wants to see women emphasize raising children. Now, certain questions of justice may turn on which of these ideals we accept. Science may be able to tell us which policies will promote which ideal; but the real question is "Which ideal should we pursue?" Science may help us, but I don't think it can answer that question.