Deliberative Democracy

what is a deliberative democracy?

Cohen defines the ideal of a ‘deliberative democracy’ as an “association whose affairs are governed by the public deliberation of its members”

Why does Cohen argue for a deliberative democracy?

he argues that a deliberative democracy provides legitimacy to a democracy

and crucially encourages a democratic culture

how might a deliberative democracy encourage a democratic culture?

every person participating in deliberation means that individual’s have a sense of their own political value

§  “encourage the development of a sense of political competence’

§  “members of society understand themselves and their own legitimate interests”

§  “shapes the identity and interests of a citizen in ways that contribute to the formation of a public conception of the common good”

what is the relationship between Cohen’s deliberative democracy and a healthy civil society?

deliberation about political issues will lead to a formation of a public conception of the common good

how is Cohen’s proposition of a deliberative democracy similar to Rousseau’s social contract?

Cohen modernises Rousseau’s moral ideal and they both share the need for a public conception of the common good

and for both the legitimacy of government comes from self-rule

both insist on equality

how are Cohen and Rousseau’s proposition different?

While general will determines law for Rousseau (direct democracy), for Cohen it is public reason
For Cohen deliberation is central, voting is a fall back when disagreement persists; while Rousseau voting is first in his direct democracy because he presupposes or requires that everyone has a shared general will

Cohen’s model is based on participation rather than enforced civil religion.

For Cohen designed for large modern societies, making democracies more deliberative whereas Rousseau’s is designed for small, homogenous states.

Why might deliberation in democracy not only be better but necessary?

it could be argued that it is also needed for a substantive democracy that is regulated to prevent tyranny or oppression

this is because deliberation dilutes power but also requires reason so ensures the preservation of the rights of individuals

what is this kind of democracy also known as?

consensus democracy