Behavioral and Brain Sciences



Open Peer Commentary
Howe et al.: Innate talents

Innate talents: A psychological tautology?


Sidney H. Irvine a1
a1 U.S. Air Force Armstrong Laboratory, San Antonio, TX 78235 irvines@alhrm.brooks.af.mil

Abstract

The tautological implications of “innate talents” are outlined. Analogies are drawn between the present review and the nature–nurture controversies of 40 years ago. Ferguson's (1954; 1956) theoretical positions are proposed as a context in which to consider present and future attempts to resolve this long-standing issue.