Deliberation in the Communitarium

In the Communitarium Project, deliberation is a central practice that ensures the community remains flexible, inclusive, and adaptive in the face of evolving circumstances. Unlike traditional deliberative processes that seek to reach a final consensus, deliberation in the Communitarium is built on the recognition of contingency—the understanding that all decisions and beliefs are provisional and open to revision. This approach encourages open-ended dialogue where differences are viewed not as obstacles to be overcome but as opportunities for collective learning and growth.

In many deliberative frameworks, the goal is to reach a consensus—a decision that reflects a common understanding of shared principles or goals. However, the Communitarium reimagines deliberation as a continuous process, rather than a goal-oriented exercise. The community understands that any consensus it reaches is contingent and may need to be revisited as new experiences, ideas, or challenges arise.

• Example: In the Communitarium, a discussion about the community’s ethical stance on a particular issue might lead to a provisional decision, but the community remains open to reexamining this decision in light of future developments. This approach prevents deliberation from becoming rigid or final and ensures that the community stays adaptable.

A key feature of deliberation in the Communitarium is its integration of collective irony. Inspired by Richard Rorty’s concept of the ironist, the community approaches deliberation with the understanding that all beliefs, practices, and decisions are contingent. This collective ironic stance fosters humility and openness, allowing participants to engage in dialogue without the need for absolute certainty or finality.

• Example: During a deliberation about community goals, members might reflect on how their current vocabularies and frameworks are historically situated and open to reinterpretation. This collective awareness encourages a more fluid, exploratory approach to decision-making, where the focus is on exploring possibilities rather than defending fixed positions.

In the Communitarium, deliberation is not just about making decisions—it is a practice of solidarity. By creating a space for open dialogue, where all members’ voices are heard and respected, deliberation reinforces the community’s collective identity and sense of belonging. The process of deliberation becomes a way for the community to perform solidarity, as members engage in shared reflection on the values and practices that bind them together.

• Example: When deliberating on a difficult or divisive issue, the Communitarium emphasizes the importance of maintaining solidarity through dialogue. Even when disagreements arise, the deliberative process itself becomes a way to strengthen communal bonds, as members work together to navigate differences and explore new possibilities for collective action.

Unlike traditional models of deliberation that may prioritize consensus over difference, the Communitarium embraces diverse perspectives as a source of strength. In fact, the community sees deliberation as an opportunity to integrate multiple viewpoints into its evolving framework. Differences are not seen as obstacles to be overcome, but as essential contributions to the community’s adaptability and growth.

• Example: In a deliberation about how to respond to external political pressures, the Communitarium might encourage members with different backgrounds or perspectives to share their insights. These diverse perspectives allow the community to explore a range of possible responses, rather than narrowing its options to a single solution. This approach ensures that the community remains open to new ideas and adaptable to changing conditions.

Deliberation in the Communitarium is particularly important during moments of crisis. When the community faces a challenge—whether it be external (such as economic or political pressures) or internal (such as a conflict over values)—the deliberative process becomes a tool for crisis management. By engaging in collective reflection, the community can explore new ways of reimagining itself in response to the crisis, rather than clinging to outdated practices or beliefs.

• Example: If the Communitarium faces a crisis that calls its existing practices into question, members engage in deliberation to explore alternative ways of organizing their collective life. This process allows the community to adapt to new circumstances without losing its core commitment to solidarity and collective reimagination.

In the Communitarium, deliberation is never truly finished. Instead, it is an ongoing practice that allows the community to continuously reflect on its beliefs, values, and practices. This approach ensures that the community remains open to new possibilities and can adapt to changing circumstances without losing its sense of coherence or identity.

• Example: Even after decisions are made, the Communitarium encourages members to continue discussing and reflecting on those decisions. This continuous deliberation allows the community to remain flexible and responsive to new challenges, rather than becoming fixed in its ways.

Deliberation in the Communitarium is a practice of open-ended dialogue, where decisions are seen as provisional and adaptable. By embracing collective irony, diverse perspectives, and the ongoing nature of deliberation, the Communitarium ensures that its members remain flexible and adaptive in the face of change. Through this process, the community not only makes decisions but also reinforces its sense of solidarity and collective identity, creating a space where all voices can contribute to the ongoing reimagination of communal life.

For more on how deliberation shapes the Communitarium, see:

• Solidarity in the Communitarium
• Irony in the Communitarium
• Rituals and Practices in the Communitarium