The dynamics of deliberation

Abstract

Existing instruments to measure the quality of deliberation are too static, focusing too much on the analysis of the individual speech acts. We present an instrument to identify Deliberative Transformative Moments (DTM) lifting the level of deliberation from a low to high or vice versa. To use this instrument, one has to look at the group dynamics of the entire discussion. Empirical basis are discussions among Colombian ex-combatants from both the extreme left and the extreme right. We investigate to what extent personal stories have either a positive or a negative impact on deliberative transformative moments. A corresponding typology of personal stories is developed.