ICPP Research Seminar Series: Deliberative Reason: What should deliberation do? How is it achieved?

with Simon Niemeyer, University of Canberra and Francesco Veri, University of Geneva, University of Zurich and University of Canberra

This presentation will delve into the ideal of deliberative reason and how it can be achieved in practice. Empirical evidence is presented demonstrating the conditions under which citizens can effectively deliberate together, both within deliberative forums and in the wider public. A theory of deliberative reason is outlined, involving the formation of metaconsensus, or mutual recognition of relevant considerations to be weighed. The integration of considerations into reasoning (without exception) via a shared “representation” of the issue (reflecting the deliberative ideal of reciprocity) results in measurable regularities of reason, which forms the basis for the Deliberative Reason Index (DRI). The result from applying DRI challenge a number of widely held assumptions about deliberation—such as the primacy of deliberative procedure and the importance of narrowly construed consequentiality. The findings also have implications beyond the forum, informing possibilities for improving deliberative performance at scale.

Niemeyer, S. J., F. Veri, J. S. Dryzek and A. Bächtiger (2023 Firstview). "How Deliberation Happens: Enabling and Activating Deliberative Reasoning." American Political Science Review.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-revie...1

Speaker bios

Simon Niemeyer is co-founder of the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance at the University of Canberra. His research covers the broad field of deliberative democracy, with a focus on the use of empirical research to inform its theoretical foundations and understand how they translate into practical democratic innovations. He has contributed to the development of several pathbreaking concepts in the field, such as metaconsensus and discursive representation (both with John Dryzek) as well as developing innovative methods for the analysis of deliberation.

Francesco Veri is a Senior Researcher affiliated with the University of Zurich, University of Geneva, and the University of Canberra. His specialization lies in democratic governance and political behavior, with a particular emphasis on empirical research and the development of quantitative methodologies.

The seminar is to all staff and students from the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society. Registration via email to [email protected] is required.