The Challenge of Listening

Abstract

Chapter 1 introduces the main arguments and key themes of the book. It begins by explaining the centrality of listening for meaningfully democratic deliberation. Being heard by their fellow citizens is what ensures people have a say in the laws to which they are held. Without listening there can be no democracy. The chapter outlines how a listening-centered approach to democratizing deliberation differs from existing approaches, which have tended to focus on reforming procedures and have all but ignored the need to develop citizens’ capacities. This chapter also discusses the various literatures to which the book’s arguments contribute. It explains the book’s general approach and key themes, including those related to making deliberation more accommodating of deep difference and disagreement. Asking whether listening is an absolute democratic good, this chapter also considers the limits of a democratic expectation to listen.