

148 | Henry Farrell on Democracy as a Problem-Solving Mechanism
May 24, 2021
Henry Farrell, a political theorist from Johns Hopkins, dives into the radical concept of democracy as a problem-solving mechanism. He argues that democratic systems are not just just, but also efficient in generating innovative solutions to societal challenges. The discussion contrasts democratic processes with markets and hierarchies, highlighting the importance of collective decision-making. Farrell critiques neoliberalism's tensions with democratic values and emphasizes the need for collaborative governance to tackle complex societal issues.
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Democracy as Problem-Solving
- Democracies, markets, and hierarchies are all problem-solving modes.
- Democracy's strength lies in its ability to harness diverse perspectives and convert them into actionable solutions.
Libertarian Critiques of Democracy
- Some libertarians critique democracy due to perceived citizen ignorance and cognitive biases.
- They propose alternatives like epistocracy, increased market reliance, or exit options.
Democracy's Dynamic Nature
- Democracy is not an optimization problem; it's a discovery process.
- Goals and values often emerge during the democratic process, not before it.