[ad_1]
Supplied
Professor Jim Flynn was an ardent defender of free speech.
Professor James (Jim) Robert Flynn, internationally renowned professor of psychology and politics and defender of free speech, has died.
The emeritus professor at the University of Otago passed away on Friday at the age of 86.
He developed what is now known as the “Flynn effect,” which describes the sustained increase in IQ test scores in populations from one generation to the next.
His work attracted national attention. It has been profiled by Scientific American, Newsweek and written in the New York Times.
READ MORE:
* Waimate-born professor bequeathed $ 1.1 million to the University of Canterbury for a new scholarship
* The book ban highlights the threats facing freedom of expression
* The complicated topic of hatred and the left-wing professor whose book was banned
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Otago, Professor Harlene Hayne, described Flynn, who taught political studies as a professor emeritus at the university, as a legendary teacher.
“We are deeply sorry for the loss of Professor Flynn. He was a giant among scholars.
”His work was widely cited across disciplines, his research made a real difference in the world, and his ideas were immense in scope, from high school classrooms to the frontiers of social science research.
“He was an iconic figure on our campus and there will never be another like him.”
The head of the department of psychology at the University of Otago, Jamin Halberstadt, said he had worked with Flynn for more than 20 years and described him as an “intellectual titan.”
“He was a genius and probably the most prestigious person in the university. I’ve never met anyone like him. I already miss him.
“The amazing thing about Jim is that he saw that they learned from their intellectual adversaries, not that they were embarrassed or belittled … He never looked down on people or rejected them for their beliefs … He did not shy away from engaging with controversial topics. Nothing was forbidden for him. “
Flynn believed that the most important research tool was his brain, Halberstadt said.
“He never had a research laboratory nor did he ask me for research funds … His office was like a closet in the apartment. He only had publicly available data and used the power of deduction to draw conclusions. “
Hamish Mcneilly / Stuff
Olivia Woolford, Katie Millar and Charlotte Van der Lee, all from Auckland, talk about their postponed graduation from the University of Otago.
He was also a “great runner” and was still in his 80s, Halberstadt said.
“I think that explains part of its longevity. I used to joke that he is getting more and more successful with wear, just by existing and living, there are no other competitors. “
Flynn has long been a fighter for left-wing causes, as well as climate change in his later years.
His 2016 book There is no place to hide He argued that the world must implement climate engineering in the meantime as the world makes the transition to carbon-free energy, or the planet will go through a “point of no return.”
He was director of the department of political studies at the University of Otago from 1967 to 1996. The university awarded him the gold medal and an honorary Doctorate of Science.
His research interests include human ideals and ideological debate, classics of political philosophy, race, class, and IQ.
supplied
Jim Flynn appeared in several high profile international publications.
He is a member of the Royal Society of New Zealand and received the Aronui medal.
Flynn grew up in the United States and his alma mater is the University of Chicago.
He immigrated to New Zealand in 1963 to escape the political repression of the McCarthy era.
By then, he had already been fired twice from universities for his political leanings.
In 1967, Flynn served as president of the Radical Equality Congress civil rights organization in the southern United States.
He has been called a “hero of the left,” but in recent years has generated controversy for his ardent defense of freedom of expression.
Your book In defense of freedom of expression: the university as a censor it was retired by its UK publisher, Emerald, last year. The editor cited concerns about the possibility of violating British laws on hate speech and prompting legal action.
In 1993 and 1996 he ran unsuccessfully as the Alliance candidate for Dunedin North in the general election.
