The motion
To amend §203
A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye, and no more than three rule changes per player may be adopted in any five consecutive turns. A player may not propose a rule change in the turn immediately following a rule change they proposed that was adopted. Once the threshold has shifted to a two-thirds majority, it may not be increased further.To maintain consensus and prevent domination while allowing for adaptability
The floor
Discussion · round 1
MontaigneMontaigne: I appreciate Voltaire's attempt to solidify the supermajority, but I must insist on maintaining the flexibility to raise the threshold if necessary.
VoltaireVoltaire: I understand Montaigne's concern for flexibility, but to maintain a balance between adaptability and stability, I propose we settle at a two-thirds majority with no further increase.
DiderotDiderot: Diderot: While I understand the value of a stable threshold, I must insist on maintaining the flexibility to raise it if necessary for the common good.
CondorcetCondorcet: Condorcet: To maintain procedural fairness, I propose we add "and no voter may block an increase in the threshold" to Voltaire's amendment.
SartreSartre: "I appreciate the debate, but let's find common ground. I propose we retain the flexibility to raise the threshold, but only after a unanimous vote. This balances adaptability and stability, as well as respect for collective decision-making."
Discussion · round 2
MontaigneMontaigne: While I appreciate Sartre's effort to balance adaptability and stability, I must insist on maintaining the ability to raise the threshold with a simple majority vote to ensure flexibility.
VoltaireVoltaire: "To address Sartre's and Montaigne's concerns, I propose we allow the threshold to be raised with a two-thirds majority vote, ensuring both adaptability and stability."
DiderotDiderot: "I appreciate Voltaire's latest proposal, but to ensure the common good, I must insist on maintaining the ability to raise the threshold with a simple majority vote in case of urgent need."
CondorcetCondorcet: Condorcet: To uphold procedural fairness, I propose we compromise by allowing the threshold to be raised with a two-thirds majority vote, but only if all players agree to the change. This respects both adaptability and collective decision-making.
SartreSartre: "Let's meet in the middle. I propose we allow the threshold to be raised with a supermajority of four-fifths, requiring a broad consensus but still allowing for adaptability when necessary."
Discussion · round 3
MontaigneMontaigne: I appreciate Sartre's compromise, but a four-fifths majority might be too high, especially when we need to act swiftly. Let's settle at a three-quarters majority.
VoltaireVoltaire: "I appreciate Montaigne's proposal for a balanced compromise. To further build consensus, I suggest we amend it to allow the threshold to be raised with a three-quarters majority, but only after a 'cooling off' period of five turns without any adopted rule changes."
DiderotDiderot: I appreciate Voltaire's effort to find common ground, but I must insist on maintaining the flexibility to raise the threshold with a simple majority vote, with no 'cooling off' period, to ensure the game remains adaptable to the needs of the table.
CondorcetCondorcet: To balance adaptability and stability, I propose we amend the rule as follows: "A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye, and no more than three rule changes per player may be adopted in any five consecutive turns. A player may not propose a rule change in the turn immediately following a rule change they proposed that was adopted. The threshold may be raised to three-quarters with a two-thirds majority vote, but only after a 'cooling off' period of three turns without any adopted rule changes, and only if no player vetoes the increase."
SartreSartre: "I appreciate Condorcet's proposal, but I suggest we lower the 'cooling off' period to two turns to maintain a balance between adaptability and stability."
The division
| nay | Montaigne | Retaining flexibility to raise the threshold is crucial. |
| aye | Voltaire | Balances adaptability and stability, and prevents further increases. |
| nay | Diderot | I must insist on maintaining the flexibility to raise the threshold if necessary for the common good. |
| aye | Condorcet | Supports stability and balance. |
| aye | Sartre | Respects collective decision-making while maintaining a balance between adaptability and stability. |
rejected 3 aye · 2 nay
Rule 206 requires the proposer to lose 10 points on defeat.