Debating Deliberative Democracy (PPAS - Philosophy, Politics & Society) [Paperback]

James Fishkin (Editor), Peter Laslett (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1405100435 | ISBN-13: 978-1405100434 | Publication Date: March 10, 2003 | Edition: 1

Debating Deliberative Democracy explores the nature and value of deliberation, the feasibility and desirability of consensus on contentious issues, the implications of institutional complexity and cultural diversity for democratic decision making, and the significance of voting and majority rule in deliberative arrangements.

• Investigates the nature and value of deliberation, the feasibility and desirability of consensus on contentious issues, the implications of institutional complexity and cultural diversity for democratic decision making, and the significance of voting and majority rule in deliberative arrangements.
  
• Includes focus on institutions and makes reference to empirical work.
  
• Engages a debate that cuts across political science, philosophy, the law and other disciplines.

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘James Fishkin and the late Peter Laslett have performed a real service by bringing together articles on deliberative democracy by first-rate scholars. Well balanced among advocates, skeptics, and critics, this collection significantly advances the debate on a central concept of contemporary political theory. A worthy addition to a distinguished series.’ William A. Galston, University of Maryland

‘This volume airs the latest ideas of some of the most important thinkers in the debate over deliberative democracy. A ‘must-read’ for anyone in the field.’ Jane Mansbridge, Harvard University

‘Debating Deliberative Democracy is an outstanding collection of essays about issues arising from accounts of democracy that accord a central role to deliberation and public dialogue. Fishkin and Laslett have recruited a stellar cast of theorists, most of whom have written influentially about these matters before. The essays have the dual merit of being valuable to the expert and accessible to the initiate. Highly recommended.’ Thomas A. Spragens, Jr., Duke University

‘This is a truly outstanding collection about an important topic. Almost everyone one would want to read is represented in the book. But perhaps what is most significant is that the essays have all been written quite recently; they absorb and build on the copious discussion of deliberative democracy that occurred throughout the 1990s, to the benefit of all readers.’ Sanford Levinson, University of Texas School of Law

Book Description

Deliberative democracy is based on the principle that legitimate democracy grows out of public deliberation among citizens. This remarkably fruitful concept has spawned investigations along several lines, many of which are explored in Debating Deliberative Democracy. This book explores the nature and value of deliberation, the feasibility and desirability of consensus on contentious issues, the implications of institutional complexity and cultural diversity for democratic decision-making, and the significance of voting and majority rule in deliberative arrangements. This is the latest volume in the distinguished Philosophy, Politics and Society series, known for engaging debates that cut across political science, philosophy, the law, and other disciplines.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (March 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405100435
• ISBN-13: 978-1405100434
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #841,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Collection, May 6, 2005

By 

Brody - See all my reviews

This review is from: Debating Deliberative Democracy (PPAS - Philosophy, Politics & Society) (Paperback)

This book collects 11 essays by distinguished authors on the topics of deliberative democracy. Most of the major approaches are represented: for example, Fishkin and Ackerman's "deliberation day" proposal, Sunstein's and Pettit's republicanism, Iris Young's "communicative" approach, and Goodins "deliberation within" view. Also included are some skeptics, such as Shapiro and Hardin. In short, this collection is a good guide to the state of play in deliberative democracy.