When I read political philosophy, I’m regularly struck by just how naive the analyses are. Frequently, political philosophers commit what UCLA economist Harold Demsetz called the Nirvana Fallacy: comparing the actually existing world with an ideal that only exists in our imaginations. They also regularly indulge what Notre Dame political economist James Otteson calls the Great Mind Fallacy: assuming a super‐brain of some kind can plan and create a good society. Together, these are part of self‐styled philosopher‐kings’ presumption that their moral and intellectual superiority entitles—indeed, obligates—them to boss other people around. What else are you to do when you are more equal than others?
Authors
- Published in
- United States of America
