Rational discourse under ideal conditions leads to consensus in the public sphere.
Ideal conditions:
- Equality of participation – every participant has an equal right to speak, question, and introduce assertions; no one is excluded or privileged.
- Freedom from coercion – no force, manipulation, or external pressure distorts communication; only the “force of the better argument” prevails.
- Truthfulness – participants speak sincerely and are open to being challenged; deception and strategic misrepresentation are absent.
- Comprehensibility – statements are intelligible to all, allowing mutual understanding.
- Legitimacy of claims – every validity claim (truth, rightness, sincerity) can be questioned and must be justified through reasoned argument.