Deliberation & Debate
Deliberation does not replace debate. Debate is necessary to resolve polarized conflict between two well-defined technical options. Evaluating the broad choices to get to these technical options, however, may require deliberation.
The strength of debate is demonstrated when making an “either-or” or a “yes-no” decision in a legislative or executive process. The purpose of deliberation, however, is to frame the type of decision that might ultimately have to be made. Debate can settle where to build a bridge. Deliberation determines whether or not a bridge should be built and, if so, for what purpose.
Debate
- In debate, you search for glaring differences and identify weakness in another position.
- Debate involves countering another’s position at the expense of the relationship.
- Debate calls for investing wholeheartedly in your beliefs.
- Debate is oppositional and seeks to prove the other debaters wrong.
- The goal of debate is winning – even if only for a short-term advantage.
- In debate, you listen to find flaws and counterarguments.
- Debate defends pre-established claims, assumptions, positions and solutions.
- In debate, you submit your best thinking and defend its rightness.
Deliberation
- In deliberation, you search for the inherent strength in other positions.
- Deliberation involves concern for others.
- Deliberation assumes that there is no one “correct” answer, but possible multiple answers and many people may hold parts of the answer or solution.
- Deliberation means temporarily suspending beliefs and firmly held opinions.
- Deliberation is collaborative and seeks to find common understanding.
- The goal of deliberation is a common ground for action, which is the basis for consistent policy.
- In deliberation, people listen to understand and find meaning in agreement.
- Deliberation presents assumptions for reevaluation and opens the possibility of better solutions.
- In deliberation, you submit your best thinking in order to improve it.