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Bryan Caplan

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description Bryan Caplan Overview

Bryan Caplan is an American economist and a professor of economics at George Mason University, where he is also affiliated with the Mercatus Center. He is widely recognized for his research in public choice theory and his 2007 book, "The Myth of the Rational Voter," which argues that democratic systems are hampered by systematic voter biases. Caplan also explores themes in education economics, notably arguing that much of higher education functions primarily as a signal of preexisting traits rather than building practical skills. His work frequently advocates for free-market principles and the deregulation of immigration.

help Bryan Caplan FAQ

Where does economist Bryan Caplan teach?

Bryan Caplan is a professor of economics at George Mason University and a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center. His research covers public choice, public economics, education, family economics, and political opinion. [Mercatus Center](https://www.mercatus.org/scholars/bryan-caplan)

What is Bryan Caplan's 2007 book The Myth of the Rational Voter about?

The Myth of the Rational Voter argues that voters often hold systematic biases rather than making fully informed policy choices. Caplan uses public-choice economics to explain why democracies can produce policies that many voters would not choose if they had better information. [Mercatus Center](https://www.mercatus.org/scholars/bryan-caplan)

What is The Case Against Education by Bryan Caplan?

The Case Against Education, published in 2018, argues that schooling often works more as a signal of intelligence, work ethic, and conformity than as direct job-skill training. It is an economics book about credentials, education spending, and the labor market. [JSTOR](https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvc772xh)

What is Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids about?

Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids is Caplan's family-economics book about parenting, children, and the balance between nature and nurture. The original edition was released in 2011, and it argues that parents may be able to reduce some intensive child-rearing efforts without harming their children's long-term outcomes. [Econlib](https://www.econlib.org/archives/2010/09/selfish_reasons.html)

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