The phrase, "wisdom of the crowd," is an oxymoron. However, it is becoming widely accepted that the belief held by a majority of people is somehow "wiser" than the minority who might know better. In addition to the television show with the same name, this "wisdom" was explored in episode seven of "The Orville," a somewhat uneven sci-fi parody of Star Trek.
"Majority Rule" is set in a society where everyone votes up or down on everything using their ubiquitous smart phones. During a discussion with Lysella, one of the inhabitants of this society, an observation by the robot-like Isaac says it best:
Captain Mercer: "So this is an absolute democracy?"
Lysella: "Yes. How does your world work?"
Captain Mercer: "We select representatives who discuss issues and enact laws."
Lysella: "But ... what about everybody else? Everybody deserves a voice. That's what we're taught."
Lieutenant Commander Bortus: "A voice should be earned ... not given away."
Captain Mercer: "How do you know what foods are healthiest for your children or what medicine to take if you're sick?"
Lysella: "We vote."
Isaac: "I believe you are confusing opinion with knowledge."
The belief that the "wisdom of the crowd" is superior to a few knowledgeable individuals is, of course, the commonly-held opinion of the crowd itself.
Jim, interesting thoughts on democracy and "complete democracy." My wife and I watched a few episodes of the Orville but could never really get into it. But that was in interesting dialogue exchange.
ReplyDeleteI am super curious what the Greek word or letters at the bottom of your post mean. Mind sharing?
Matthew Cross
Hi Matthew - The Greek letters are, in non-Greek, "TANSTAAFL." This is something Robert Heinlein coined in describing the First Law of Thermodynamics. It stands for "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch." I had this as a bumper sticker on my car ... needless to say, it garnered a lot of comments and questions.
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