This paper explores how the extended theory of pragma-dialectics, particularly the concept of strategic maneuvering, can be aligned with political theory. While earlier work linked the standard pragma-dialectical model to deliberative democracy, this study compares the extended framework with agonism, which challenges Habermas’s ‘ideal speech situation’. Using European Parliament debates on the Rule of Law, we show that the aim of strategic maneuvering – to reconcile effectiveness and reasonableness – links principles of deliberative and agonistic democracy, yet does not fit squarely within either paradigm. The paper argues for integrating these approaches to strengthen the connection between argumentation theory and political theory.
Period
24 Sept 2025
Event title
European Conference on Argumentation : ECA Warsaw 2025