Debating Deliberative Democracy

Deliberative democracy is based on the principle that legitimate democracy grows out of public deliberation among citizens. This remarkably fruitful concept has spawned investigations along several lines, many of which are explored in Debating Deliberative Democracy . This book explores the nature and value of deliberation, the feasibility and desirability of consensus on contentious issues, the implications of institutional complexity and cultural diversity for democratic decision–making, and the significance of voting and majority rule in deliberative arrangements. This is the latest volume in the distinguished Philosophy, Politics and Society series, known for engaging debates that cut across political science, philosophy, the law, and other disciplines.

Notes on Contributors. Acknowledgments. Introduction. 1. Deliberation Day: Bruce Ackerman and James S. Fishkin. 2. Deliberative Democracy Beyond Process: Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson. 3. Democratic Deliberation Within: Robert E. Goodin. 4. The Law of Group Polarization: Cass R. Sunstein. 5. Activist Challenges to Deliberative Democracy: Iris Marion Young. 6. Optimal Deliberation?: Ian Shapiro. 7. Deliberative Democracy, the Discursive Dilemma and Republican Theory: Philip Pettit. 8. Street–level Epistemology and Democratic Participation: Russell Hardin. 9. Deliberative Democracy and Social Choice: David Miller. 10. Deliberation Between Institutions: Jeffrey K. Tulis. 11. Environmental Ethics and the Obsolescence of Existing Political Institutions: Peter Laslett. Index.

James S. Fishkin holds the Patterson–Banister Chair at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is Professor of Government, Law, and Philosophy. His publications include Democracy and Deliberation (1991), The Dialogue of Justice (1992), and The Voice of the People (1995). Peter Laslett (1915–2001) was a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. His publications include The World We Have Lost (1984) and A Fresh Map of Life (1989).

‘James Fishkin and the late Peter Laslett have performed a real service by bringing together articles on deliberative democracy by first–rate scholars. Well balanced among advocates, skeptics, and critics, this collection significantly advances the debate on a central concept of contemporary political theory. A worthy addition to a distinguished series.’ William A. Galston, University of Maryland <!––end––> ‘This volume airs the latest ideas of some of the most important thinkers in the debate over deliberative democracy. A ‘must–read’ for anyone in the field.’ Jane Mansbridge, Harvard University ‘ Debating Deliberative Democracy is an outstanding collection of essays about issues arising from accounts of democracy that accord a central role to deliberation and public dialogue. Fishkin and Laslett have recruited a stellar cast of theorists, most of whom have written influentially about these matters before. The essays have the dual merit of being valuable to the expert and accessible to the initiate. Highly recommended.’ Thomas A. Spragens, Jr., Duke University ‘This is a truly outstanding collection about an important topic. Almost everyone one would want to read is represented in the book. But perhaps what is most significant is that the essays have all been written quite recently; they absorb and build on the copious discussion of deliberative democracy that occurred throughout the 1990s, to the benefit of all readers.’ Sanford Levinson, University of Texas School of Law