Epistocracy vs constitutional democracy: A Hayekian response to Jason Brannan

Jason Brennan, who proposes assessing democratic decisions based on non-procedural expert knowledge from a pure utilitarian standpoint, holds prominent position among libertarian critiques of democracy. Brennan contends that epistocratic regimes can outperform democracies since perform badly due to the phenomena rational ignorance and deliberative methods cannot solve this problem. compares institutions constitutional institutions, wants tame using negative externality arguments. In study, we demonstrate be assessed by Brennanian metrics epistocracy will erode political successes Two important arguments back up conclusion. First, transforming ideals beyond rules into standard for daily politics allows experts tremendous discretion. Even with good intentions, unchecked discretion would most likely undermine general, abstract, egalitarian required complex society. Second, taking concept choice out its original context make distinction between unconstitutional governments unclear. Therefore, ideal limited government established separation powers procedures checks balances lose significance, giving place rule.