Read more
By reviewing different voting systems, their original intents, and their deficits,
Making Better Choices argues for a systems engineering approach to making better collective choices in society. Written by an economist and an engineer, this groundbreaking work draws from insights in sociology, linguistics, law, political science, philosophy, psychology, economics, and systems design. In an era of relentless rating, this book offers a fresh vision for engineering better democracies by enabling diverse choices.
List of contents
- Prologue: From One to Many
- Chapter 1: Systems of Complexity
- Chapter 2: Value and Values
- Chapter 3: Decision Rules
- Chapter 4: Choosing How to Choose
- Chapter 5: Insincerely Yours
- Chapter 6: Poll Vaulting
- Chapter 7: Human Factors of Democracy
- Epilogue: Vox Populi
- Appendix
- Acknowledgments
- Bibliography
About the author
Charles E. Phelps is University Professor and provost emeritus at the University of Rochester. He lives in Northern California.
Guru Madhavan is Norman R. Augustine Senior Scholar and senior director of programs at the National Academy of Engineering. He lives in Washington, DC.
Summary
Systems engineering offers a set of capabilities and competencies to design and manage complex systems as they evolve. Drawing from social choice research and systems engineering practice, Making Better Choices examines how we make decisions together and the tools we use to arrive at those decisions. It takes a critical look at the rules and methods we apply to important decisions--from how we run meetings to how we elect presidents--with an interest in how we can improve these mechanisms. By reviewing different voting systems, their original intents, and their deficits, the authors outline a systems engineering approach to making collective choices in society. Written by an economist and an engineer, this groundbreaking work draws from insights in sociology, linguistics, law, political science, philosophy, psychology, economics, and systems design. In an era of relentless rating, this book offers a fresh vision for engineering better democracies by enabling diverse and inclusive choices
