This conversation was prompted by a blog entry posted by Tim Dracup in January 2012. The subsequent e-exchange between Tim and Barry Hymer explored a number of issues central to the nature and aetiology of giftedness, confronting these issues from contrasting ontological and epistemological stances. As a result, their conversation includes arguments over the value of social constructivism and the nature of ‘empirical evidence’, equity and incidence, and related socio-political factors. Areas of agreement and continuing disagreement are provided. The subsequent exchange has been lightly edited and abridged for the purposes of this journal. Barry’s contributions are italicised.