Can Rational Irrationality be an Effective Explanation for Democratic Failure?

Abstract

Bryan Caplan's book The Myth of the Rational Voter takes the "rational economic man" hypothesis as its starting point, and innovatively proposes the concept of "rational irrationality" to give a new explanation for the internal logic of democratic failure while criticising "rational ignorance". While criticising "rational ignorance", the concept of "rational irrationality" was innovatively put forward to give a new explanation to the internal logic of democratic failure. However, rational irrationality has not reached a complete rejection of rational ignorance, and the solution to democratic failure given by Caplan is still questionable. These remaining questions have led to further reflection on how to improve the democratic system and on the dilemma and way out of electoral democracy.