"Democracy doesn't work because uneducated citizens are able to vote on important matters. Surely only the wise should be able to vote". Is this Statement correct?

[kinginthenorth]

Democracy or its alternatives.

[kinginthenorth]

The statement is correct. Within a democracy, voters are not examined on their understanding. Therefore in theory a 5 year olds vote holds the same weight as a 58 year olds. As such, voting is meaningless. You might as well let a computer randomise who wins or not.

[Thomias]

In the age of Trump and Brexit, it is easy to criticise democracy, and argue that a patriarchal system where only an educated elite votes would be preferable. However, this would kill accountability. The elite could step on the rights of the lower classes without any repercussions (except for potential revolts/civil wars). In a system where the government is elected by the few, it would inevitable also only govern for the few, opening the door to a repressive and dystopic society.

[kinginthenorth]

In many situations a few vote, and there is accountability.

When Shareholders or Board of Directors vote for a new CEO, there is accountability there. Only a few vote, instead of the many.

The Elite are already stepping on the rights of the lower class, by making false promises to them. At least there is a chance that the Educated can see through their lies, and choose someone more decent.

Further, we live in a democracy and are governed by a few. One party makes all the decisions. So whats the difference?

[Thomias]

Comparing companies to countries is like comparing apples and pears. You can choose which company you are employed by; you cannot choose where you are born and it is difficult to change citizenship. Companies have no judicial authority; companies don't write rules except for purely internal ones; and you can leave by giving a week's notice.

I agree that the elites are already acting in highly questionable manners; however, democracy provides the instrument to people to vote them out. The fact that the rich can influence vast swathes of uneducated people through lying media is an argument for restricting the freedom of the media to disseminate false information, rather than terminating the right of people to vote.

[kinginthenorth]

Lets take it back to basics:
- Do you agree that specialised people should make specialised decisions? Who would be better to command an Army: a general with victories and experience under his belt or a blacksmith with no idea on Army tactics or anything Army related? A democracy allows the Blacksmith to become a General.
- Do you believe in quantity over quality? The highest of human value is based on quality over quantity. In almost all occasions Quality is respected more than Quantity. Surely to choose a great leader we need to look at quality over quantity? Democracy is based on quantity. We should take into account the quality of a voter instead, to have a leader full of quality!

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