"The Bell Curve" is a book published in 1994 by Richard J. Herrnstein and Charles Murray. It discusses the role of intelligence in shaping social outcomes, arguing that intelligence, as measured by IQ tests, is a significant predictor of various life outcomes, including education, income, and criminal behavior. The authors suggest that intelligence is largely hereditary and that societal inequalities can be partly explained by differences in cognitive ability. The book also explores the implications of these findings for public policy, particularly in education and welfare. Critics have raised concerns about the book's conclusions, especially regarding its treatment of race and intelligence, leading to significant debate in both academic and public spheres.