oorweeg

Oorweeg is a fictional term used in speculative fiction and world-building to denote a formal decision-making process in which a community weighs evidence, values, and potential consequences before taking action. It emphasizes deliberation, transparency, and consensus-building rather than simple majority voting. While the concept does not correspond to a real-world institution, it is commonly used in game world lore and narrative settings to explore governance and ethics.

In the imagined practice of oorweeg, decisions proceed through several stages. Participants first gather information and openly present arguments for and against proposed actions. A designated moderator ensures respectful discourse, then a period of collective weighing follows, where practical trade-offs and alignment with shared values are evaluated. The outcome seeks broad support, even if unanimity is not required. The process is often designed to be time-bound to balance thorough deliberation with the needs of the community.

Cultural significance varies by setting. In some narratives, oorweeg functions as a stabilizing mechanism during crises, encouraging participation from marginalized groups and emphasizing accountability. In tabletop or role-playing game systems, it can be implemented as a mechanic that requires players to invest resources in information gathering and discussion before a decision point, thereby influencing the cost and timing of actions. The term may appear in glossaries and world-building guides as a model of ethical deliberation and participatory governance.