The Rule of Non‐Opposition: Opening Up Decision‐Making by Consensus

Abstract

The objective of this article is to propose a precise characterization of the collective practice behind at least an important part of the phenomena named “decision by consensus.” First it provides descriptions of the use of this rule. Second, it challenges the usual way of understanding the consensus decision-making in contrast with voting, showing that the contrast between logic of approval and logic of consent also has to be taken into account. Third, the article examines the conditions of its use, showing that the rule of non-opposition satisfies groups whose concern is to decide without dividing. Finally, it considers whether consensus in decision-making is as democratic a procedure as it is sometimes thought.

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