Just one footnote: “Rational” reasoning seems too limited to me. Rationality does not include empathy and other social feelings. Furthermore, weighing different options is also partly based on how you feel about them. Side by side with rational arguments, such non-rational (≠irrational) elements are – to my mind – essential for a fruitful deliberation.
Just sent to an agency “listening session” where they took 2-minute testimony from folks on a habitat conservation plan developed by the agency. No discussion, and the room was pretty much divided into pro and anti logging factions, clapping along with their speakers. This is very typical in government interactions with the public. You get a minute or two to say your piece in front of decision makers, and they rarely respond. Sometimes they argue with each other in public, but rarely. So I guess I’m saying that deliberation is very scarce in policy making today. We cede our decision making power to representatives through elections. In between elections, not much deliberation with the public goes on. Obvious from the resulting policies. I doubt very much that the currently influential and powerful people will willingly give up that influence and power.
Just one footnote: “Rational” reasoning seems too limited to me. Rationality does not include empathy and other social feelings. Furthermore, weighing different options is also partly based on how you feel about them. Side by side with rational arguments, such non-rational (≠irrational) elements are – to my mind – essential for a fruitful deliberation.
Can’t wait for argumentative reasoning! That’s how I reason! Not to mention many other Jews and so many others!
Just sent to an agency “listening session” where they took 2-minute testimony from folks on a habitat conservation plan developed by the agency. No discussion, and the room was pretty much divided into pro and anti logging factions, clapping along with their speakers. This is very typical in government interactions with the public. You get a minute or two to say your piece in front of decision makers, and they rarely respond. Sometimes they argue with each other in public, but rarely. So I guess I’m saying that deliberation is very scarce in policy making today. We cede our decision making power to representatives through elections. In between elections, not much deliberation with the public goes on. Obvious from the resulting policies. I doubt very much that the currently influential and powerful people will willingly give up that influence and power.
Just went to an agency….