Mathematics to the Rescue of Democracy
What does Voting Mean and How can it be Improved?
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Beschreibung
This book explains, in a straightforward way, the foundations upon which electoral techniques are based in order to shed new light on what we actually do when we vote. The intention is to highlight the fact that no matter how an electoral system has been designed, and regardless of the intentions of those who devised the system, there will be goals that are impossible to achieve but also opportunities for improving the situation in an informed way. While detailed descriptions of electoral systems are not provided, many references are made to current or past situations, both as examples and to underline particular problems and shortcomings. In addition, a new voting method that avoids the many paradoxes of voting theory is described in detail. While some knowledge of mathematics is required in order to gain the most from the book, every effort has been made to ensure that the subject matter is easily accessible for non-mathematicians, too. In short, this is a book for anyone who wants to understand the meaning of voting.
Sheds new light on the meaning of voting Highlights the shortcomings of electoral systems and opportunities for improvement Describes a new voting method that avoids the paradoxes of voting theory Employs mathematics in a readily accessible way
Autor*in
Paolo Serafini
Themen in »Mathematics to the Rescue of Democracy«
Voting theory Social choice paradoxes Arrow impossibility theorem Majority judgement US Congress Seat apportionment Biproportional apportionment Political districting Gerrymandering
Stimmen zu »Mathematics to the Rescue of Democracy«
“Paolo Serafini has the merit of presenting in a synthetic and pedagogical way the main aspects of the voting theory. This book would be well suited for undergraduate and graduate students who are new to voting theory … . the book is very enjoyable to read … . The present book adds its stone to the series of books on voting theory while distinguishing itself by its pedagogy and simplicity.” (Eric Kamwa, Journal of Economics, Vol. 134, 2021)
“This book exposes a variety of social choice systems … . The electoral rules for the formation of the government of several countries are discussed, as examples of application of different aggregation methods, their particular problems and shortcomings are highlighted and opportunities of improvement underlined.” (Annibal Parracho Sant’Anna, zbMATH 1476.91002, 2022)()
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