What Is a Deliberative Argument?

A deliberative argument addresses a controversial or contested issue or unsolved problem with the intent of moving others to agreement regarding the issue or problem being discussed. It is a process where individuals explore varying opinions on a topic to arrive at a shared or collaborative judgement.

Debate is a form of deliberative argument, structured in an effort to arrive at a winning judgment regarding the matter being debated. Brainstorming is another form of deliberative argument. Individuals share perspectives on a topic of mutual concern, trusting that the group’s conclusion will be stronger than that of any one individual .