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The Right to Vote Should Be Restricted to Those with Knowledge

Jason Brennan

Aeon, 2016

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Jason Brennan – a professor of strategy, economics, ethics, and public policy at Georgetown University – reflects on the benefits of limiting the right to vote to knowledgeable, well-informed people. He examines the inherent flaws of democracy and suggests “epistocracy” as an alternative. Brennan fails to address some of the disadvantages of the system he commends: Would people really accept the legitimacy of a government that they weren’t allowed to elect? Still, getAbstract recommends this provocative essay as food for thought for democracy enthusiasts and skeptics.

Take-Aways

By and large, people in democracies enjoy a better standard of living than citizens of nondemocratic states.
The uninformed voter presents a threat to democracy.
An “epistocracy” might allow only citizens who pass a test of basic political knowledge to cast their votes.

About the Author

Jason Brennan is an associate professor at Georgetown University and specializes in politics, philosophy and economics. He is the author of numerous books, among them Against Democracy.

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A. J. 6 years ago

Who gets to lay out the standard of knowledge given that current systems are inherently corruptible (evil intent aside) due to the DNA corruption inherent in those devising it?

Thus, how transparent and "true" could the process for this to ever occur be?
M. S. 7 years ago

His idea is provocative but nevertheless, holds some truth. But how do the "elite" know the problems of the less educated society? How will you ensure empathy?

The Right to Vote Should Be Restricted to Those with Knowledge

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