Reading 5 --- WANG HANPING

1.Summary

There are numerous methods for making group decisions; one might flip a coin, vote, or seek consensus — among others. Each has its merits and difficulties, and is more appropriate to some situations than others. Unlike the first two methods, consensus is not so much about quickly yielding a “yes” or “no,” but in arriving at the best possible solution. While the progress and the outcome of consensus are rarely assured, the focus is on the potential benefits of deliberation rather than the speed of the decision. (However, if consensus is achieved, the legitimacy of the decision will likely exceed that of a coin toss or vote.) 

As Wikipedia’s “Consensus” policy notes: “Achieving consensus requires serious treatment of every group member’s considered opinion…. In the ideal case, those who wish to take up some action want to hear those who oppose it, because they count on the fact that the ensuing debate will improve the consensus.” And even though polling may be a part of the consensus process, it is “often more likely to be the start of a discussion than it is to be the end of one.”


2. Interesting point

The voting process is also a discussion process.Although the minority-majority approach is not perfect, the process of consultation between different people is the most effective way to get the best answer.


3. Discussion

What attitude should we take to Wikipedia's fairness and openness?

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