Children in democratic schools learn decision-making through voting, shaping their identities.
Compulsory voting increases voter turnout but may not enhance political knowledge overall.
Epistocracy proposes excluding less informed voters for expert-driven political decision-making.
Deep dives
Dramatic Readings of Wild Reviews on the Internet
The hosts Christine and Sandy present dramatic readings of outrageous online reviews in their podcast, Beach 2 Sandy Water 2 Wet. They delve into absurd reviews covering Vegas weddings, matchmaking services, Trader Joe's, caves, toddler beds, and even stories about Spirit Halloween sending a customer a dildo instead of a costume.
Democratic Decision-Making in Schools
A democratic school, Brooklyn Free School, allows students autonomy in decision-making. Kids partake in a democratic process to choose the name of their group, engaging in a voting system using duplos. The school's approach highlights the power of democracy in shaping children's identities and decisions.
Proposals for Political System Reform
The episode explores two proposals to fix the political system. One suggests more democracy to increase voter turnout, combating impassioned partisans influencing decisions disproportionately. Conversely, the second proposal advocates for less democracy to exclude ignorant and irrational voters, aiming to enhance political decisions.
Compulsory Voting and Political Knowledge
Compulsory voting, as seen in Australia, increases voter turnout but doesn't necessarily enhance aggregate political knowledge. However, it promotes a more evenly distributed political understanding among the populace. The discussion reflects on the impact of informational diversity in political decision-making.
Epistocracy and Expert-Centric Systems
Epistocracy, a system based on knowledge and rational decision-making, emerges as an alternative to democracy. Proposals like the voting lottery involve informed citizens making political decisions. The debate explores the implications of excluding less informed individuals from voting and the potential outcomes of such expert-centric systems.
Preschool kids get their first taste of democratic participation when they vote on their class name, and democratic private schools try to display the value of democracy by making kids vote on everything, even the school budget. Does it work or do kids make terrible decisions?
One diagnosis of our modern-day political problems is that too many stupid people are voting for stupid things. There are two proposed fixes; mandate that everyone vote, so as to diminish the power of ignorant and irrational voters, or find ways to disenfranchise all and only the misinformed people. This week we examine both proposals, examining whether compulsory voting is a solution to the problems of democracy, or whether getting rid of democracy altogether can be wise or just. We look at Sudbury Valley and Brooklyn Free School, democratic schools where the people who are thought too ignorant and irrational to vote are given democratic power. Are there are any lessons to be drawn for our democratic problems from these democratic schools?
Guest voices include Jill Sheppard, Jason Brennan, Noleca Radway, Jonathan Ho, and alums of democratic schools.
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