ADVERSARY DELPHI

In a democratic society, decision-making processes frequently involve adversary proceedings, in which supporters of opposing views are given an opportunity to influence the eventual decision in their favour. Th ere are two phases to this decision-making process: the first, devoted to exploring the reasons respectively favouring one or another of two or more adversary positions, followed by a second phase seeking a con sensus or, at least, a majority opinion on what the decision should be . This article discusses the potential of Delphi inquiries as a group decision-making aid in situations of this kind.