Withreden

Withreden is a theoretical framework in deliberative practice describing a structured, inclusive method of argumentation and decision-making. It emphasizes cooperative reasoning conducted through a sequence of speaking rounds in which participants respond to others' arguments while maintaining focus on shared goals.

The term combines the English with and the Dutch reden, meaning to speak or to argue, and it was coined in scholarly discussions of deliberative democracy in the late 2010s.

In practice, a session begins with framing of the issue, followed by alternating rounds in which participants articulate positions and others offer counterarguments with explicit justification. A moderator then synthesizes points, identifies common ground, and records reasons. The core features include explicit acknowledgement of dissent, rotation of speaking roles, a record of reasons, and a final step that seeks a provisional consensus or a well-justified procedural decision.

The protocol aims to produce decisions that are not only supported by the majority but also broadly legitimate because they are transparently reasoned. It has been applied in municipal councils, non-profit governance, and online deliberative platforms that seek to balance broad participation with rigorous scrutiny. It is used in complex policy debates such as environmental planning, urban design, and public budgeting.

Critics argue that withreden can be time-consuming and vulnerable to performative compliance, and it may be difficult to implement in fast-paced settings. Power imbalances can persist if facilitation does not actively manage influence. See also deliberative democracy, consensus decision-making, structured dialogue, sociolinguistics.