Reflections on Deliberative Democracy

Abstract

The disparity between the theory and practice of deliberative democracy should stimulate theorists not only to try to improve practice but also to develop the theory in new directions. Theorists need to pay more attention to the role of science in deliberation, the place of non-deliberative institutions, the legitimacy of decision-making deliberative bodies, and forms of institutional support for deliberation over time, such as civic education. The encounter with practice also shows that a theoretical understanding of mutual respect may be more important than continuing to insist on consensus. Systematic comparisons between deliberative and non-deliberative institutions and systems could help keep expectations for the future of deliberative democracy in perspective.