DYCODE · The Dynamics of Constructive Deliberation

The Dynamics of Constructive Deliberation

Collective decisions are pervasive in every aspect of our society. As shown by Brexit and other recent episodes in European national politics, the way we shape our collective decisions can have far-reaching implications. However, even though there is a vast literature on the aggregation and revision of preferences in and by groups, there are no exact mathematical models of the way groups construct and revise a given decision problem – a process I call constructive deliberation. Getting grip on this political “logic of discovery” is a necessary step towards a suitable combination of information technology with various forms of direct democracy. The aim of the project DYCODE – The Dynamics of Constructive Deliberation – was to develop a formal theory of constructive deliberation. This way, the project was expected to complement existing work on collective decision-making, which is in turn necessary for the improvement of democratic processes. In combination with specific training, dissemination, and communication actions, the project was also expected to contribute to my personal development, serving my long-term aim to obtain a permanent position as a researcher. The project was subdivided into five work packages. Three of these concerned original, novel research related to constructive deliberation. In particular, they focus on: • Logical specifications of individual constructive deliberation based on static information (WP1) • The role of information dynamics in constructive deliberation (WP2) • Multi-agent and agent-based models of strategic, cooperative, and interactive constructive deliberation (WP3) The fourth work package dealt with training and career development, and the fifth with outreach, dissemination, and communication activities. These two WP's were both relevant for the scientific research of the project, and for enhancing my personal career possibilities as a researcher.

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