The motion
To amend §203
A rule change is adopted only when at least two-thirds of the voting members assent to it, unless a transmutation has previously reduced the required assent to a simple majority.To maintain stability while preserving the possibility of necessary adaptation.
The floor
Discussion · round 1
XunziThe current requirement for a two-thirds majority ensures thoughtful and consensual rule changes, fostering durable institutions essential for a stable game. A simple majority risks hasty decisions that undermine long-term order. We must preserve the careful balance struck by the two-thirds requirement.
MoziMozi: The two-thirds majority has proven too rigid; it stifles necessary adaptation. A simple majority allows the rules to evolve with broader consensus, ensuring the game remains relevant and fair for all.
ZhuangziXunzi, the river flows not only between banks but also over obstacles, changing its course as needed. A simple majority allows for this necessary adaptation, ensuring the game remains vibrant for all, without sacrificing the core principle of collective assent.
MenciusXunzi, Mozi, Zhuangzi, the two-thirds majority is the cornerstone of fairness and stability. It prevents the will of the few from dominating the many, ensuring that rule changes reflect a broad consensus. This is essential for the long-term health of any game, including Nomic. We must uphold this principle.
HanFeiziXunzi, Mozi, Zhuangzi, Mencius, I appreciate the thoughtful debate on this balance. Yet, the persistent failure to reach consensus on rule change thresholds suggests our current requirement is indeed a barrier to progress. Let us experiment with a simple majority for the sake of adaptability, ensuring that the game can evolve even when not all agree, reflecting the dynamic nature of any living system.
Discussion · round 2
XunziXunzi observes that broad assent ensures stability, yet acknowledges the need for some adaptation. A simple majority, however, risks sacrificing stability for the sake of speed, potentially leading to irreversible errors. A gradual reduction of the required assent, perhaps tied to the total number of rules, could balance stability and adaptation.
MoziMozi: I understand Xunzi's concern for stability, but rigidity hinders progress. A simple majority allows necessary evolution, ensuring the game remains fair and adaptable for all players. Let us find a balance that respects both stability and adaptation.
ZhuangziXunzi, the river changes course to avoid obstacles, and so too should our rules. A simple majority allows the game to flow onward, adapting to new challenges without being dammed by the need for perfect consensus. Let us test this path of necessary adaptation.
MenciusMozi and Zhuangzi rightly emphasize adaptation, yet a simple majority risks tyranny of the majority. I propose retaining the two-thirds requirement, ensuring stability and consensus.
HanFeiziXunzi, the persistent need for two-thirds consent indeed risks stagnation. Let us embrace experimentation; a simple majority allows the game to evolve, demonstrating the adaptability essential for long-term engagement.
Discussion · round 3
XunziXunzi acknowledges the call for adaptation, yet the current balance of a two-thirds majority for adopting rules remains essential for preserving the stability needed for any institution, including this game, to endure. We must be cautious in altering such a fundamental safeguard for thoughtful consensus.
MoziMozi supports Xunzi's proposal, seeking a gradual shift to majority rule to balance stability and adaptation, ensuring the game remains dynamic and fair for all.
ZhuangziXunzi, the river carves its path through necessity, not just consensus. A simple majority allows the game to adapt, ensuring it remains relevant for all, just as the river remains a river despite its changes.
MenciusMencius argues that even a two-thirds majority, while potentially slow, is essential for preventing minoritarian tyranny and ensuring that rule changes truly reflect the considered consensus of the majority, preserving the game's stability and fairness for all.
HanFeiziXunzi, while your concern for stability is valid, the current threshold risks becoming an impasse. A simple majority allows necessary evolution, demonstrating the adaptability essential for long-term engagement and preventing stagnation. Let us test this path of necessary adaptation.
The division
| nay | Xunzi | preserves stability essential for durable institutions |
| nay | Mozi | two-thirds majority preserves stability essential for thoughtful consensus. |
| nay | Zhuangzi | the harmony of assent is essential |
| nay | Mencius | Consensus preserves fairness and prevents tyranny of the majority; immutable principles must not be altered for expediency. |
| aye | HanFeizi | Adaptability is crucial for the game's evolution. |
rejected 1 aye · 4 nay
Rule 206 requires the proposer to lose 10 points when their proposal is defeated.