The Politics of Algorithms

In this thesis, the book Overspannen Democratie by Gijs van Oenen is explored in depth. Building on his analysis of contemporary democracy, several other phenomena are identified that emphasize a need for change. A thought experiment is designed, to find out whether an algorithmic democracy would resolve some of our issues but also to find out what new problems it might lead to. The main purpose is not to answer the question of whether democracy should rely on algorithms and in what way, but it is to raise interesting questions, provoke thought and stir up the debate concerning this possibility.