Module IV·Article III·~1 min read
The Future of Democracy: Algorithms, Epistemocracy, Sortition
Political Challenges of the 21st Century
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Crisis and Reforms
Democracy is experiencing a crisis: polarization, disinformation, declining turnout and trust, populism. What should be done?
Epistemocracy (Jason Brennan, “Against Democracy”, 2016): political decisions are too complex for the average voter. Votes should be weighted according to the level of competence. The problem: who determines competence? History knows the answer — those in power.
Sortition: random selection of citizens for political decisions — like juries. Citizens' Assemblies have already been used in Ireland (same-sex marriage, abortion), Canada, France. The result: more balanced, less polarized decisions.
Digital Democracy
Digital platforms can broaden participation or create a field for manipulation. “Liquid democracy”: delegate your vote to an expert on a specific topic — a hybrid system between direct and representative democracy.
Question for Reflection: What mechanisms of “democratization” of decisions are used in your organization? What risks and advantages does each have?
§ Act · what next