本文從深化台灣民主的關懷出發,站在學界近年討論熱烈的商議式民主(deliberative democracy)觀念,將網際網路(internet)諸多互動溝通的特性,視為實踐商議式民主的重要機會,進而能夠強化台灣公民參與的內涵,儘早實踐優質民主的願景。作者仔細地討論商議式民主的內涵,找出其中值得期待的優勢與值得注意的問題,接著針對應用網際網路實踐商議式民主的機會與挑戰,做出深入的討論,最後,本文提出一種商議式民主的實驗原型(experimental prototype)-「線上公民顧問團」(on-line civic panel),提供學界或是政府,進行深化台灣民主可行的「下一步」(next step)。
This paper integrates the use of the Internet with the idea of deliberative democracy in an attempt to provide a feasible ”next step” for Taiwan's democracy. By exploring the opportunities and constraints the Internet could bring to the practice of deliberative democracy, we present an experimental prototype called ”on-line civic panel.” This prototype takes advantage of the strengths of the Internet and is cost-effective. It meets the requirements of deliberative democracy and opens a window of opportunity for deep civic engagement in the digital age.