2011 Matthijs Bogaards

Deliberating the Perfect Tax (sketch of a PhD proposal) Since this is only the first sketch of your PhD proposal I will keep my comments brief and informal. In a nutshell: this is a very promising proposal and certainly the most original I have seen in a long time. The first part of the proposal makes the case for a new type of tax that supposedly provides a solution to two problems plaguing the late, developed welfare state. I am not familiar with the literature and I wonder whether this account is a standard one. Strategically, it would be helpful if you could start with a rather uncontroversial analysis of the most urgent problems of the contemporary welfare state before launching into your favorite tax. Such an introduction should stay clear of jargon and tell the story in a way that is accessible to a broader audience. The analysis of problems and solutions is bridged through a reflection on the inability of politicians to address the current ‘crises’. Why is nothing done? Is it because there is something wrong with our political system? Before becoming dramatic, though, it is necessary to present an overview of the options that are on the table right now. You will probably be able to show that none of them, certainly not by themselves, are sufficient to address the deeper causes, signaling a lack of ideas. At the same time, you might then note that there are more radical alternatives that are discussed in academic circles but that have so far not made it onto the political agenda or, when such an attempt was made, were immediately shot down (Kirchhof!). It is at that point that you bring in the way political decisions are made. As it stands, the explanation of the Personal Consumption Tax (PCT) is much too brief and technical, but I assume that you can simply draw on your MA thesis for this. By the way: the tax checklist on p.3, is that your own or did you copy it from somebody? I would strongly suggest you focus on the German case in your PhD as you are German, based in Germany, and you want to conduct a Deliberative Poll in Germany. Indeed, the idea to organize a Deliberative Poll on tax reform is great. As you already did the PCT in your MA thesis, your PhD thesis can focus on the German debate (or lack thereof) on tax reform and the organization and analysis of a Deliberative Poll, contrasting the two processes of decision-making and preference formation. The basic notion is that (democratic) process affects (democratic) outcome. The aim is to show that ordinary citizens, when provided with the time and other means to carefully reflect on even one of the most difficult and technical issues, like tax reform, they are able to form a considered opinion. Moreover, you expect them to more open to new ideas than the political establishment. Some other points:

1. A PhD proposal is different from a manifest and you should adopt a more academic writing style.
2. Please provide titles and numbers for tables and graphs and always indicate the source.
3. Please make sure that all references in the text are also in the bibliography.
4. Can the PCT be implemented nationally? That is important for the Deliberative Poll. It will be a lot of work but if you get the support of James Fishkin and find sponsors, it can be done. Most importantly: I am convinced it will be worth the effort. This can turn into a fascinating PhD with the potential to make a contribution to not just academia but the ‘real world’. I would be very happy to supervise your project. Matthijs Bogaards, Bremen, 21 May 2011.