Abstract

To argue is to build democracy (Fuentes 2019). The capacity to reach agree-ments among a diverse set of social and political actors is one of the key dimen-sions in the governability of complex societies (Gerring and Thacker 2008). Argumentation is precisely the origin of legitimacy and stability of national democracies. However, the nature and extension of argumentation in societyis rapidly changing. Political scientists and public participation activists have systematically pushed for a greater empowerment and citizen control over political decisions. The achievement of citizen control is not an easy task. It requires addressing major practical and conceptual challenges regarding the nature, objectives and methods of deliberation.