Today, deliberative democracy is the most widely discussed theory of democracy. Its proponents argue that important decisions of law and policy should ideally turn not on the force of numbers but on the force of the better argument. However, it continues to strike some as little more than wishful thinking.

In this new book, Ian O'Flynn examines how the concept has developed over recent decades, the family disagreements which have emerged, and the criticisms that have been levelled at it. Grappling with the familiar charge that ordinary people lack the motivation and capacity for meaningful deliberation, O'Flynn considers the example of deliberative polls and citizens' assemblies and critically assesses how such forums can fit within a broader democratic system. He then considers the implications of deliberative democracy for multicultural and multi-ethnic societies before turning to the prospects for the most ambitious deliberative project of all: global deliberative democracy.

This book will be essential reading for students and scholars of democratic theory, as well as anyone who is curious about the prospects for more rational decision-making in an age of populist passion.

About the Author
Ian O'Flynn is Senior Lecturer in Political Theory at the University of Newcastle.

Reviews

"Ian O'Flynn has produced a succinct, accessible, yet thorough guide to the ever-expanding field of deliberative democracy. He takes on all the key questions that animate disputes within the field, as well as responding effectively to critics."
John Dryzek, University of Canberra

"This is a concise and accessible introduction to the field of deliberative democracy - in both theory and practice. It engages the reader in deliberating about all the main issues. It is full of insight. I strongly recommend the book as an indispensable overview."
James Fishkin, Stanford University

Book Information
ISBN 9781509523467
Author Ian O'Flynn
Format Paperback
Page Count 184
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 181g
Dimensions(mm) 213mm * 137mm * 15mm