A Clear View

Effective deliberation requires adherence to a regiment of absolute

principles alongside a flexible mindset that takes into account the varied
contingencies of moderation: the subject, nature of participants, and format of the
deliberation. A rigidly inflexible philosophy would robotically serve the purpose of
forcefully conforming deliberation to a set of preconceived ideals. Successful
moderation retains certain maxims and themes, yet serves the deliberation at hand.
My moderation philosophy is structured around seeking clarity, maintaining flexible
yet purposeful exchanges, and sustaining relevant progress.
My moderation encourages clarity and understanding first and forefront in
deliberation. In other words, seek first to understand, and then be understood. By
seeking to understand first, individuals may orient themselves properly in respect
to reaching the goals of the deliberation. Understanding entails developing an
accurate perception of other individuals ideas. So many of the pitfalls that I have
witnessed in deliberation are the result of individuals not truly understanding
others. Hasty replies are made unto hasty statements until the deliberation has
disintegrated into irrelevant arguments. By seeking mutual understanding,
miscommunications are eliminated. The rhetoric presented is clear and open to
examination by individuals who have accurately interpreted the original presenter.
From this vantage point of understanding, deliberation effectively surveys the
matter at hand. Moderating keeps deliberation functioning in this manner.
Miscommunications are cleared up, clarifications encouraged, and elaboration to aid
understanding is available if necessary.
Once understanding is thoroughly established, moderation can expand to
facilitating and guiding the deliberation processmuch like a shepherd. A shepherd
guides and tends to his sheep in a gentle yet firm way. He guides them in the proper
direction and keeps the flock together and protected. Without a shepherd, the flock
could stray in dangerous directions and fall apart. The moderator needs to facilitate
in a healthy, non-stifling wayjust like a shepherd and sheep. He guides the
deliberation towards the established goals, or at least towards some productive end.
Usually a shepherd does not have to be heavily involved in the regular activities of
the sheep; rather he makes sure they are headed in the right direction. A moderator
will have the goals of the deliberation in mind and be able to keep the deliberation
focused and on track. This is not to say that structure must be imposed, as many
times the goals of the deliberation can warrant a very loose and relaxed structure.
This philosophy of adaptive, understanding-first, shepherding philosophy
is fully complimented by the Gricean maximsa set of principle designed to ensure
cooperationand fills out a comprehensive structure for moderation. The maxims
are as follows: qualityadhering to the truth, quantitykeeping information
concise, relationkeeping information relevant, and manneravoiding obscurity
and ambiguity. These maxims combine to ensure a wholesome, fair, and successful
deliberation. For me personally, I value clarity highly. Moreover I enjoy deliberation
that is not rigidly controlled, yet flows with purpose and conciseness. Beyond these
two ideas, I strongly feel that the Gricean maxims set the stage for an effective,
functional, and successful deliberation. Combine this with clarity and guided
purpose, and therein lies my ideal deliberation.