The Moral Disagreement on Capital Punishment (Death Penalty)

Using Democratic Deliberation to Resolve the Moral Disagreement on Capital Punishment (Death Penalty) Common American experience seems to suggest that a solution to every dilemma can be found through enough lobbying, legislating, media-blitzing or politicking. We often believe that the person arguing most eloquently, reasonably or forcefully will win every dispute, yet there are times when this optimism fails. Despite great efforts to show the strength of a position, there are arguments that we cannot untangle simply by proving our right and anothers wrong. Some moral questions permit such different outlooks that holders of completely opposing views can both be morally sound. Rather than trying to reason away one side we can only†¦show more content†¦Participants in such discussion can arrive at an understanding of their differing views and gain respect for the variation that exists, the first steps towards solving the moral questions that seem unsolvable. To lead towards any justifiable outcome, deliberation must abide by certain guidelines of respect, open mindedness and accommodation. At the heart of the debate must be a genuine acknowledgement that opponents views, though disagreeing with our own, are just as morally sound. In granting this we must also approach the discussion with a willingness to change our opinions if discussion reveals a stronger moral position. Deliberation relies on rational participants who do not blindly cling to prior beliefs despite evidence favoring other ones. If, however, deliberators cannot justify leaving their positions after fair consideration, they must make concessions to the opposing side without sacrificing their own views. By eliminating points of contention opponents can reach towards an economy of moral disagreement. Though it will never be possible to satisfy every member of this diverse nation, appeals to methods of deliberation offer moral justification for our decisions. 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