Editing Science and technology studies (section)

==== In practice ====
[[Bruce Ackerman]] and [[James S. Fishkin]] offered an example of a reform in their paper "Deliberation Day." The deliberation is to enhance public understanding of popular, complex and controversial issues through devices such as Fishkin's [[deliberative polling]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ackerman|first1=Bruce|last2=Fishkin|first2=James S.|title=Deliberation Day|url=https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/media/news/2004/03/10/586/deliberation-day/|website=Center for American Progress|access-date=April 21, 2015|date=2004-03-10}}</ref> though implementation of these reforms is unlikely in a large government such as that of the United States. However, things similar to this have been implemented in small, local governments like [[New England]] towns and villages. New England town hall meetings are a good example of [[deliberative democracy]] in a realistic setting.<ref name="Bohman"/>

An ideal deliberative democracy balances the voice and influence of all participants. While the main aim is to reach consensus, deliberative democracy should encourage the voices of those with opposing viewpoints, concerns due to uncertainties, and questions about assumptions made by other participants. It should take its time and ensure that those participating understand the topics on which they debate. Independent managers of debates should also have a substantial grasp of the concepts discussed, but must "[remain] independent and impartial as to the outcomes of the process."<ref name="Chilvers"/>