ABSTRACT
My view of discursive democracy in the model developed in this chapter is of a process of open discussion in which all points of view can be heard and that the policy outcome/s which result/s is/are legitimate when they reflect the mutual understandings (through reciprocity, reflexivity, respect, cooperation, etc.) that preceded them. I do not regard there as being any ‘correct answer’ to be found. One of the key aspects of policy-making through power-full communicative interaction is its contingency. It is a flexible process, the scale of and participation in which can be adapted to the particular situation. Policy-making through discursive democracy is directed towards the evolution of society to meet the needs of its constituents rather than adjusting and normalising individuals to fit the needs of the state and the discipline of urban and regional planning.
