Scientists Say People Aren't Smart Enough For Democracy To Flourish 1276
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."'"
Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
I would, but you are not smart enough to understand.
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
In this case, it means "everyone else". Like when people think about their driving skill -- everyone else sucks.
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Look in the mirror. Now picture depending on 200 million of them to pick a leader. Odds are he isn't going to be someone spectacular. Also, he has a big nose.
Or to put it another way! (Score:5, Funny)
We just want more funding for our research... why can't people see how important it is!
In related news ... (Score:2, Funny)
People tell scientists that they are not smart enough to understand the definition of "democracy".
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Can somebody explain to me what they mean by "not smart enough"?
As Bill Engvall might say, "Here's your sign."
Re:As Winston Churchill Said (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Why do I need to add a subject? (Score:1, Funny)
Not true, Bush got elected, twice!!
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Politicians are not smart enough to vote against a bill labeled "Protect the Children From Internet Pornographers Act"
Yes, they are. They'll read, '"PCFIPA"? That's not even an acronym! There's no way I'll vote for that.'
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:2, Funny)
They believe that Fox News is really news and that wrestling is honest sport.
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Why is this news?
You are not smart enough to understand.
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Wrote learning is overrated, spelling especially!
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Of course this doesn't apply to me, as I have no limitations, unlike all those people who are incompetent and are just unaware of it.
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Thank heavens that Senators are no longer susceptible to corruption!
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
I'm OK then - when I'm not passing people I drive in the right lane.
Having said that I do live in the UK ...
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Not smart Enough? (Score:2, Funny)
Everyone else does in fact suck at driving compared to me.
I have a SCCA Competition License A NASA racing license, I hold a USA and German drivers license, and have taken several hundred hours in driving courses for defensive and offensive driving. I have logged over 65 hours driving above 142 mph. This is with traffic going the same speed and slower.
So yes, all of you DO suck. Except those of you that also have had real driving experience and training. And from observations on my daily commute, the general population does not suck, they barely can understand the operation of the vehicle they are in. You have to actually know how to drive a car to suck at it.