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Brain in a Vat

Reimagining Democracy as Lottocracy | Alexander Guerrero (With Travis Timmerman)

Oct 27, 2024
01:05:04

'Lottocracy' is a system where political representation is determined randomly. Is this a better system than democracy?


We discuss the shortcomings of current electoral democracies, including the influence of media and special interests, and examine innovative models like deliberative democracy and specialized legislative structures.


How should we balance between expertise and random selection, and combat elite influence and corruption?


[00:00] Introduction to the Thought Experiment


[00:52] Moral Obligations in Crisis


[05:14] Challenges of Political Institutions


[06:51] Electoral Democracy vs. Lottocracy


[14:44] Implementing Lottocracy


[21:15] Potential Issues and Objections


[29:20] Ensuring Representative Participation


[36:41] Challenges of Single Party Dominance


[37:32] Risks of Random Selection in Politics


[38:39] Expertise and Agenda Setting


[46:55] Corruption and Influence in Politics


[55:34] Social Pressure and Decision Making

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