Relevance for the DEMOS Project

These features of the Delphi methodology make it an ideal tool to be integrated in a system for the support of political debate. In the context of the DEMOS system, this method strives to explore new ways of resolving conflicts and disagreements so as to drive discussions on. It is used in the discussion process to put citizens in touch with experts in various fields. This eliminates one of the biggest obstacles to participation: the fact that relevant knowledge is often confined to specialists. It is also used as a means of structuring the whole process of political debate by helping to avoid the chaotic flow of communication that characterises many online discussions. The structure will in turn allow for truly large-scale debate. Finally, Delphi techniques will help the mediator to bring a discussion to a close by achieving some kind of consensus or failing that "rational dissent", where an acceptable compromise is not available.


Survey Techniques
Delphi Method
Mediation Methods