On Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson’s Theory of Deliberative Democracy
Author: Kuan-Sheng Wang（Center for General Education National Taipei University Associate Professor）
Vol.&No.：Vol. 69, No. 1
Date：March 2024
Pages：25-50
DOI：https://doi.org/10.6210/JNTNU.202403_69(1).0002
Abstract：
This article explores the theory of deliberative democracy, which was proposed by American political philosophers Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson. The contemporary society is a value-pluralistic society where people embrace different moral perspectives, religious beliefs, and worldviews. When citizens are confronted with controversial topics, such as abortion, euthanasia, legalization of same-sex marriage, and affirmative action, they often encounter profound and challenging underlying conflicts. Regarding these controversies, Gutmann and Thompson argue that decision-making should be based not on majority rule but on reaching consensus through deliberative communication. This process further contributes to enhancing the quality of decision-making and maintaining social stability. Gutmann and Thompson advocate applying Rawls’ concept of reflective equilibrium as the methodological foundation for deliberative democracy. In addition, they emphasize that a deliberative democracy should adhere to the principles of reciprocity and publicity and safeguard freedom and equality. This model aligns well with Rawls’ model of resolving key conflicts in multicultural societies by applying the theory of public reason. Therefore, Stephen Macedo contends that Gutmann and Thompson’s deliberative democracy is an extension and reformulation of Rawls’ theory of public reason instead of a replacement for the theory. Samuel Freeman further identifies Gutmann and Thompson as “Rawlsian deliberative democrats.” In this paper, I analyze the characteristics of the theory of deliberative democracy theory of Gutmann and Thompson, as well as their relationship with Rawls’ theory of public reason. I agree that Gutmann and Thompson’s theory extends Rawls’ theory. However, because of major differences in their positions on questions such as whether deliberative outcomes can be provisional agreements and whether political decisions can be determined by majority rule, I do not consider Gutmann and Thompson’s theory as direct equivalents to the Rawlsian deliberative theory. In addition, the characteristics of Gutmann and Thompson’s theory (e.g., the combination of procedural and substantive elements, emphasis on the civic virtue of compromise, respect for the fundamental values of a liberal democratic society, reinforcement of civic awareness, and emphasis on civic education) enable them to systematically respond to challenges that theories of deliberative democracy must overcome. Deliberative democracy contributes to safeguarding vulnerable groups, challenging political authority, seeking political consensus, and maintaining social stability. Furthermore, Gutmann and Thompson advocate that the spirit of deliberative democracy should be extended to areas such as education, business, and media, with the aim of promoting social revitalization and innovation.
Keywords：public reason, Amy Gutmann, Dennis Thompson deliberative democracy, John Rawls.
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References：
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- 古德曼（Amy Gutmann）、湯普森（Dennis Thompson），《商議民主》，謝宗學、鄭惠文譯，臺北市：智勝文化事業有限公司，2006。
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