Scientists Say People Aren't Smart Enough For Democracy To Flourish

cold fjord writes "The inability of the incompetent to recognize their own limitations is a story that has been covered before on Slashdot. But, what happens when you apply that finding to politics? From the article: 'The democratic process relies on the assumption that citizens can recognize the best political candidate, or best policy idea. But a growing body of research has revealed an unfortunate aspect of the human psyche that would seem to disprove this notion, and imply instead that democratic elections produce mediocre leadership and policies. The research shows that incompetent people are inherently unable to judge the competence of other people, or the quality of those people's ideas. If people lack expertise on tax reform, it is very difficult for them to identify the candidates who are actual experts. They simply lack the mental tools needed to make meaningful judgments...democracies rarely or never elect the best leaders. Their advantage over dictatorships or other forms of government is merely that they "effectively prevent lower-than-average candidates from becoming leaders."'"

Comments

Re:Not smart Enough?

[theshowmecanuck]

"Procreation, that's the second most successful trait of us ignorent one's capabilities."

Based on the birthrate in trailer parks and from anecdotal evidence while surfing past the Jerry Springer show, I'd say you are wrong and that it is the most successful trait of the ignorant. Second is filling up the pews at right wing creationist churches. Third is supporting right wing politicians who have no interest in supporting those poor ignorant people who support them. And then there is, maybe, that one skill they are good at. And don't bitch about Limbaugh having no children. That is a good thing. And it might be good fodder for a rumour to say he's really one of those closet gay right wing republicans. Hell, he had a good run with all the claims of drug addled liberals when it turned out he was a junkie himself.