Minerva: An electronic town hall

This paper presents the specifications for an electronic technology that will allow masses of citizens to have discussions with each other, and which will enable them to reach group decisions without leaving their homes. Specifications of the components needed are enumerated and a concrete system suggested. Possible variations and other uses of the system are explored.This study, supported by the National Science Foundation, project # GI-29940, is being carried out under the auspices of the Center for Policy Research. Dr. Stephen H. Unger is co-principal investigator with the author. Papers by Dr. Unger and other team members are available from Center for Policy Research, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, New York.