Opposite Day: The case for democracy

Murali

Murali did his undergraduate degree in molecular biology with a minor in biophysics from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He then changed direction and did his Masters in Philosophy also at NUS. Now, he is currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy at the University of Warwick.

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6 Responses

  1. James K says:

    Nicely done Murali (or Ilarum)

    We might say that after an initial lag period, things will get better. No really! Prediction markets can be subject to gaming and manipulation. While ordinary manipulation in an efficient market is usually temporary, and over the long term counter-productive to long term profit, manipulation can still result in disastrous policy.

    It turns out they aren’t.  Attempts to manipulate market prices cause a near-instant counter-reaction by the market to restore prices to their pre-mainpulation level.  It’s likely that prediction markets are less vulnerable to manipulation than democracy.

    There isn’t anything (other than the elites’ good will) that prevents the government from liquefying those who would otherwise be net liabilities to the government. (i.e. indigents and vagrants)

    Did you mean liquidate?  Though I suppose they could also liquefy them if they really wanted to.Report

  2. James Hanley says:

    There have been some here who seemed to find any critique of democracy appalling.  For them, I’d just like to link to the slacktivist’s post about how Iowa evangelicals responded to the stories of Herman Cain’s alleged sexual harassment of women.

    Bialek alleges that Cain put his hand under her skirt …

    Among evangelical voters, there was an increase in support for Cain.

    … and reached for her genitals …

    Among evangelical voters, there was an increase in support for Cain.

    … and also pushed her head toward his crotch while they were in a car.

    Among evangelical voters, there was an increase in support for Cain.

    She recalls saying: “This isn’t what I came here for, Mr. Cain.”

    The now-GOP presidential candidate responded, according to Bialek, “You want a job, right?”

    Among evangelical voters, there was an increase in support for Cain.

    There’s nothing wrong with democracy except the people involved.Report