Posner and Becker do Summers

Richard Posner, making a point similar to the one I made regarding Professor Churchill, argues that Larry Summers, when speaking as a representative of an institution, does not enjoy full freedom of speech. He notes that Summers is not an expert on either gender bias or genetic differences and has no particular standing to speak on such matters. He continues:

[A]s a practical matter, chief executive officers do not enjoy freedom of speech. A CEO is the fiduciary of his organization, and his duty is to speak publicly only in ways that are helpful to the organization. Not that he should lie; but he must avoid discussing matters as to which his honestly stated views would harm the organization.

He further argues that Summers subsequent apology shows that he was fully aware that his remarks might harm the institution he represents. There follows a long and complex discussion of Summers' responsibilities in the matter. Read the full thing here.

Gary Becker does not address the question of responsibility, but offers his perspective on the question of gender differences. He concludes,

the sharp differences in scientific and similar accomplishments between men and women may be partly due to differences in high-level aptitudes, but... such
differences are less important than other forces.

In the response to comments section, both men take on the question of the relationship, or lack of one, between profiling and affirmative action.

This is good stuff -- check it out.


UPDATE:

Richard Posner's response to the critics is up here.