Biase 4 and the Political Participation Behavior of Citizens

Abstract

This academic article aims to examine the influence of the Four Biases (Agati 4) Chandgati (bias arising from desire), Dosgati (bias arising from hatred), Mohgati (bias arising from delusion), and Bhaygati (bias arising from fear) on citizens’ political participation behavior and to synthesize these concepts into a Buddhist political framework for explaining the internal dimensions of political perception, judgment, and decision-making. The study employs a qualitative approach through documentary research and conceptual synthesis, integrating Buddhist doctrines with contemporary political science theories.
The findings indicate that political participation is not determined solely by rational considerations but is also shaped by emotions, beliefs, and internal biases. These biases influence political information processing, interpretation, decision-making, and political behavior, leading to phenomena such as partisan preferences, political polarization, selective exposure to information, and avoidance of political participation due to fear. The study proposes the Buddhist Political Participation Framework (BPP Framework) as a new conceptual model that complements conventional theories of political participation by incorporating the psychological and ethical dimensions of political behavior. 
The framework emphasizes the integration of institutional development with the cultivation of citizens’ moral consciousness, mindfulness, and wisdom, thereby fostering rational, unbiased, and responsible political participation, which ultimately contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society.