Evaluation of The Idea of a Deliberation Day from an Aristotelian Perspective

The concept of a Deliberation Day, as proposed by Ackerman and Fishkin, suggests a transformative national holiday dedicated to large-scale deliberative polling. This event aims to empower citizens to become better informed about significant upcoming elections, rigorously question candidates on their proposed policies, and share their ideas regarding societal needs. The premise behind Deliberation Day is that the intense scrutiny from the electorate will compel candidates to develop more comprehensive and informed policy agendas. In this essay, I will explore how this concept aligns with the Aristotelian perspective on democracy, particularly focusing on Aristotle's ideal form of governance known as polity.

Understanding Aristotle's Polity

Aristotle's vision of an ideal government is encapsulated in the concept of polity, which he describes as a balanced blend of democracy and oligarchy. While he views both of these forms of governance as deviant when taken to extremes, their combination within polity creates a more favorable political structure. Aristotle posits that a polity is most effective when a significant portion of the population possesses moderate wealth, virtue, and ambition. He asserts that such a society minimizes conflict, as its members share similar interests and aspirations. Aristotle notes, “among members of the middle section that you find least reluctance to hold office as well as least eagerness to do so” (Aristotle, Sinclair and Saunders, 1992).

This circulation of office among citizens resonates with Aristotle's idea of governance in a middle-class society, where individuals are peers and equals. The underlying rationale is that a majority sharing similar needs and desires will not act out of selfish motives, but rather consider the collective good. Aristotle warns that extreme wealth or poverty can corrupt citizens and cloud their judgment, which he holds in high regard. Thus, the theory of polity emphasizes the importance of a moderate leisure class that shares power democratically, while excluding the extreme poor and rich from significant decision-making roles.

Deliberation Day and Citizen Engagement

Deliberation Day aims to enhance citizen involvement and awareness regarding governmental processes. By designating it as a national holiday with subsidized pay, participation becomes a practical interest for all citizens, contrasting with the current scenario where many may opt out due to various constraints. Aristotle valued citizen participation as a fundamental aspect of good citizenship, believing it to be essential for the health of the state. This national event would bring together citizens, including candidates, to engage in meaningful discussions, aligning with Aristotle's belief in deliberation among equals.

However, Aristotle also cautions that not every individual needs to engage in every decision-making process. This perspective creates a tension between his selective view of citizenship and the inclusive nature of Deliberation Day. While Aristotle supports broad participation in deliberative processes, he restricts the concept of citizenship, making it challenging to reconcile his views with modern democratic ideals that embrace inclusivity.

The Role of Education and Virtue

Aristotle places immense importance on virtue, which he associates with education and moral integrity. He grapples with the notion that while a just society requires the power to be distributed among the many, allowing individuals lacking virtue to hold power could lead to detrimental outcomes. Deliberation Day addresses this concern by fostering an environment where citizens are educated about significant issues, thereby reducing the likelihood of self-serving and uninformed decisions.

Although some citizens may still vote without consideration for the common good, the expectation is that this group would be a small minority. In Aristotle's polity, the democratic voting system ensures that the majority's views prevail, which would lead to more informed decision-making regarding candidates' policies and proposals. Deliberation Day provides a framework to alleviate Aristotle's apprehension about empowering the masses, thus reinforcing the viability of his ideal polity.

Challenges of Implementing Deliberation Day

While the concept of Deliberation Day aligns with Aristotelian principles, implementing such an initiative poses logistical challenges. Organizing a nationwide event could incur substantial costs, leading to budget cuts in other critical areas or necessitating increased taxes. Furthermore, the requirement for laborers to cease work for a day could have significant economic repercussions. Additionally, randomly grouping participants for deliberative polling might necessitate travel, complicating participation and potentially deterring citizens from engaging.

These logistical issues raise concerns regarding the rationality of implementing Deliberation Day from an Aristotelian standpoint. Aristotle would likely view the potential for wastefulness and disruption as contrary to his ideals, favoring participation among the leisure class who have the time to engage without societal upheaval.

Conclusion

Evaluating Deliberation Day through the lens of Aristotle's writings reveals both alignment and tension with his philosophical principles. While the concept offers a pathway toward achieving Aristotle's vision of polity, it requires adaptation to modern contexts where citizenship is more inclusive. The potential benefits of fostering a well-informed electorate could lead to a more virtuous leadership, aligning with Aristotle's ideals. However, the practical challenges of implementing such a system may render it less effective in Aristotle's time, necessitating flexibility in applying his concepts to contemporary society.

References

• Aristotle. (1992). The Politics. Translated by Sinclair and Saunders.