Jonathan Benson – författare

Whether due to Donald Trump, Brexit, or the rise of populism, many are increasingly questioning the value of democracy. Complaints of ignorant voters, irrational public debate, and disconnected politicians have led some to suggest that democracies are destined to make bad decisions, and to propose alternatives. In Intelligent Democracy, political theorist Jonathan Benson rejects this new democratic scepticism. He argues that democracies can make effective use of knowledge, engage in experimentation, utilise diversity, and motivate decisions towards the common good-and that they can do all these things better than their rivals. Benson pleads that we value democracy, not only because it treats us all equally, but because it is intelligent. At the core of the book is the first systemic account of democracy's epistemic value. While it is common to focus on the faults of any one democratic body, Benson argues that democracy represents a much broader network of institutions which work together to produce a system which is more intelligent than any of its parts. The book examines how elections, deliberative assemblies, random sortition, and the open public sphere can be best connected, and offers innovative new proposals for improving our democratic systems. Through this approach, Benson shows that democracy is superior to regimes of epistocracy and political meritocracy which aim to empower the knowledgeable and exclude the ignorant, as well as proposals for granting greater powers to free markets or private companies. Drawing on work from political science, philosophy, and economics, Intelligent Democracy produces a unique epistemic justification of democratic politics and a robust answer to its critics.

Whether due to Donald Trump, Brexit, or the rise of populism, many are increasingly questioning the value of democracy. Complaints of ignorant voters, irrational public debate, and disconnected politicians have led some to suggest that democracies are destined to make bad decisions, and to propose alternatives. In Intelligent Democracy, political theorist Jonathan Benson rejects this new democratic scepticism. He argues that democracies can make effective use of knowledge, engage in experimentation, utilise diversity, and motivate decisions towards the common good-and that they can do all these things better than their rivals. Benson pleads that we value democracy, not only because it treats us all equally, but because it is intelligent. At the core of the book is the first systemic account of democracy's epistemic value. While it is common to focus on the faults of any one democratic body, Benson argues that democracy represents a much broader network of institutions which work together to produce a system which is more intelligent than any of its parts. The book examines how elections, deliberative assemblies, random sortition, and the open public sphere can be best connected, and offers innovative new proposals for improving our democratic systems. Through this approach, Benson shows that democracy is superior to regimes of epistocracy and political meritocracy which aim to empower the knowledgeable and exclude the ignorant, as well as proposals for granting greater powers to free markets or private companies. Drawing on work from political science, philosophy, and economics, Intelligent Democracy produces a unique epistemic justification of democratic politics and a robust answer to its critics.

Whether due to Donald Trump, Brexit, or the rise of populism, many are increasingly questioning the value of democracy. Complaints of ignorant voters, irrational public debate, and disconnected politicians have led some to suggest that democracies are destined to make bad decisions, and to propose alternatives. In Intelligent Democracy, political theorist Jonathan Benson rejects this new democratic scepticism. He argues that democracies can make effective use of knowledge, engage in experimentation, utilise diversity, and motivate decisions towards the common good-and that they can do all these things better than their rivals. Benson pleads that we value democracy, not only because it treats us all equally, but because it is intelligent. At the core of the book is the first systemic account of democracy's epistemic value. While it is common to focus on the faults of any one democratic body, Benson argues that democracy represents a much broader network of institutions which work together to produce a system which is more intelligent than any of its parts. The book examines how elections, deliberative assemblies, random sortition, and the open public sphere can be best connected, and offers innovative new proposals for improving our democratic systems. Through this approach, Benson shows that democracy is superior to regimes of epistocracy and political meritocracy which aim to empower the knowledgeable and exclude the ignorant, as well as proposals for granting greater powers to free markets or private companies. Drawing on work from political science, philosophy, and economics, Intelligent Democracy produces a unique epistemic justification of democratic politics and a robust answer to its critics.

Learning to bend wood can take a woodworker in a whole new direction. Canoes, guitars, whimsical furniture and many other projects are within reach with an understanding of this age-old technique. Now, with the help of professional furniture maker, Jonathan Benson, woodworkers can learn the four basic wood bending methods: bending green wood, using heat or steam, bending panels and bending laminations. Seven step-by-step projects clearly illustrate how each technique is achieved and are presented with an eye for budget and practicality, making this book ideal for woodworkers of all skill levels.

Learn the basic methods for bending wood in this comprehensive guide that includes bending green wood, bending with heat or steam, bending panels and laminations. Demonstration projects will take you through the process step-by-step, and include shaker boxes, a bow for an arrow, a rustic chair, and more.

Design, Select, and Install for a Custom Look at the Right Price. Filled with great advice and lessons from a remodeling pro on how to transform your kitchen affordably using stock cabinets and a well-thought-out plan. Take the stress out of kitchen remodeling with advice on how to plan it, and do it affordably with the help of remodeling pro Jonathan Benson.

With this complete resource from professional furniture-maker and veneer specialist, Jonathan Benson, you'll learn how to inexpensively recreate the beauty of exotic wood with veneer and in-lays. Now, woodworkers of any skill level can master the classic technique of recreating the beauty of exotic wood. Included is a complete overview of the entire veneering and in-lay process along with step-by-step exercises that culminate in four beautiful pieces: a dining room table, a wall mirror with shelf, a marquetry picture, and a parquetry design.

From freedom of speech to censorship, populism and protest, social media and conspiracies, the modern landscape of democracy is a crowded, contested, and often confusing place. Navigating Democracy provides the map you need to start exploring some of the big ideas that shape societies today. Provocative questions prompt concise answers written by an expert author, each one serving as the starting point to chart a course through the promises and paradoxes of democratic life. With ‘one-stop’ graphics signposting memorable ideas for each topic, and ‘route map’ glossaries explaining key terms and their connections, this is your expert guide to discovering whether democracy is the ultimate safeguard of freedom—or a fragile system forever at risk of breaking down.