Felsenthal, Dan S. and Machover, Moshé
(2002)
Models and reality: the curious case of the absent abstention.
Homo Oeconomicus, 19 (3).
pp. 297-310.
ISSN 0943-0180
Abstract
We discuss two inter-related puzzling features of the literature on a priori voting power. First, the mathematical model used in virtually all this literature does not recognize abstention as an option distinct from both a 'yes' and a 'no' vote. Second, real-life decision rules of voting bodies---in particular the US legislature and the UN Security Council---are misrepresented as though they did not allow abstention as a tertium quid. We suggest that these misrepresentations may be examples of what philosophers of science call 'theory-laden observation'.
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