Models and reality: the curious case of the absent abstention

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

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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'.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	http://www.homooeconomicus.org/
Additional Information:	© 2002 Accedo Verlag
Divisions:	CPNSS
Subjects:	J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General)
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2009 11:44
Last Modified:	11 Dec 2024 22:31
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/24228

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