Technology
Agonistic Pluralism versus Deliberative Consensus in Democratic Theory
Quick fact
Philosopher Chantal Mouffe argued that the deliberative ideal of consensus is both impossible and dangerous: it attempts to erase conflict, which is the very lifeblood of democracy, and in practice silences dissent under the guise of rationality.
Why this is interesting
We usually think democracy means talking things out and reaching an agreement. But what if the best democracy is one that expects, and even thrives on, irreconcilable conflict?