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Essays
Concluding Remarks
Ilya Somin reviews the areas of agreement and disagreement among participants at this month's Cato Unbound.
Essays
Some Concluding Remarks
Sean Trende concludes that Ilya Somin's new book is an important one, despite some weighty objections.
Essays
Three Concluding Points on Rational Ignorance
Jeffrey Friedman concludes with an outline of the research program social scientists must conduct after the fall of rational ignorance theory.
Essays
The Difference that Political Ignorance Makes: Rejoinder to Sean Trende
Ilya Somin argues that political ignorance has real costs, in that voters choose policies that are ineffective and against their interests.
Essays
Why Ignorant Voting is Rational – Further Rejoinder to Jeffrey Friedman
Ilya Somin defends rational ignorance theory again, arguing that voters see a small chance of influencing outcomes as nonetheless worthwhile.
Essays
Voters Know Well Enough
Sean Trende argues that voters know well enough to make good decisions, particularly when compared to elites, who make their own share of mistakes.
Essays
Rational Ignorance Can’t Explain Voter Behavior
Jeffrey Friedman explains how rational ignorance theory is contradicted by both voters' actions and their stated beliefs.
Essays
Why (Most) Political Ignorance is Rational and Why it Matters: Reply to Jeffrey Friedman
Ilya Somin replies to Jeffrey Friedman: Most political ignorance is indeed rational, which makes such ignorance much harder to correct.
Essays
Do Voters Know Enough to Make Good Decisions on Important Issues? Reply to Sean Trende
Ilya Somin replies to Sean Trende: Voters don't know enough to make good decisions.
Essays
Of Parties, Moving Costs, Hedgehogs, and Foxes: Reply to Heather Gerken
Ilya Somin responds to Heather Gerken on federalism, voting with your feet, and voter ignorance.