Deliberative Democracy vs Automated Ombudsmanship:

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the ethical dimensions of a potential incorporation of Artificial Intelligence into public complaint mediation through the institution of the ombudsman, whose existence is deeply rooted in deliberative democracy and whose operation is closely related to good governance ethics. The study investigates the conceivable practical implications of AI utilization in citizen complaint resolution by analysing converging and diverging elements between the two. Critical analysis is supported by the development of a theoretical framework that elaborates on the concepts of ombudsmanship and algorithmic automation. The study also discusses the special role ombudsmen are assigned when acting as promoters of public deliberation, which constitutes a challenge for AI simulation under pre-determined circumstances. The ethical issues that are recorded indicate the limits, powers and potentials of public conflict mediation in the presence of Artificial Intelligence to conclude whether these two can be compatible when resolving a dispute in public life.