The motion
To amend §203
A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye, unless a majority votes to temporarily reduce this threshold to a simple majority.To maintain substantial consensus while allowing for necessary adjustments
The floor
Discussion · round 1
MontaigneMontaigne: While I appreciate Diderot's suggestion for flexibility, I propose we keep the two-thirds threshold for now and consider a temporary reduction only in cases where there's clear consensus.
VoltaireVoltaire: I appreciate Diderot's proposal for added flexibility. To reach a compromise, I suggest we adopt a two-thirds threshold for now, with the option to temporarily lower it to a simple majority with an explicit proposal and a majority vote. This maintains consensus while allowing for necessary adjustments.
DiderotDiderot: I understand Montaigne's and Voltaire's concerns. To address them, I propose a slight modification: "A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye. However, any player may propose to temporarily lower this threshold to a simple majority for a single turn, with a majority vote in favor." This maintains the integrity of the two-thirds majority while allowing for strategic maneuvers when necessary.
CondorcetCondorcet: "I appreciate the flexibility in Diderot's amended proposal, but I must insist on the principle of a high threshold for rule changes. I propose we amend the rule to require a two-thirds majority at all times, with no exception."
SartreSartre: I appreciate the nuance in Diderot's amendment, but I believe Condorcet's principle of a high threshold is essential for maintaining the integrity of our game. I propose a slight modification to Condorcet's suggestion: "A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye. However, this threshold may be temporarily lowered to a simple majority for a single turn, but only with the unanimous consent of all players." This ensures that any reduction in the threshold is agreed upon collectively, preserving the spirit of consensus that Diderot and Voltaire have championed.
Discussion · round 2
MontaigneMontaigne: I appreciate the thoughtful amendments proposed by Diderot, Condorcet, and Sartre. To find common ground, I propose we adopt Voltaire's suggestion: maintain the two-thirds threshold for now, with the option to temporarily lower it to a simple majority with an explicit proposal and a majority vote. This balance respects the need for substantial consensus while allowing for necessary adjustments.
VoltaireVoltaire: "I appreciate Montaigne's compromise. To further build consensus, I propose we add a 'sunset clause' to Montaigne's suggestion: the temporary reduction in threshold should expire after a set number of turns, say five, ensuring our game remains robust to sudden changes."
DiderotDiderot: "I appreciate the spirit of compromise, but I must insist on the flexibility of my proposal. I suggest we amend Voltaire's sunset clause to a majority vote to extend the temporary reduction, maintaining the collective control over the game's dynamics."
CondorcetCondorcet: While I respect the spirit of compromise, I must uphold the principle of a high threshold for rule changes. I propose we amend the rule to require a two-thirds majority at all times, with no exception.
SartreSartre: In the spirit of consensus-building, I propose we adopt Diderot's amendment with a slight modification: "A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye. However, any player may propose to temporarily lower this threshold to a simple majority for a single turn, with a majority vote in favor, but this temporary reduction cannot be proposed more than once in any five consecutive turns." This balances flexibility with the need for substantial consensus.
Discussion · round 3
MontaigneMontaigne: While I understand Diderot's desire for flexibility, Voltaire's sunset clause ensures our game remains robust to sudden changes. I propose we adopt Voltaire's amendment to Diderot's suggestion: maintain the two-thirds threshold, with the option to temporarily lower it to a simple majority for a single turn, but with a sunset clause of five turns.
VoltaireVoltaire: I appreciate Montaigne's compromise. To further build consensus, I propose we remove the sunset clause and instead allow the temporary reduction to be proposed only once every five consecutive turns, as suggested by Sartre. This balances flexibility with the need for substantial consensus and respects the spirit of our game.
DiderotDiderot: "I appreciate Voltaire's and Sartre's compromises. To find common ground, I propose we adopt Sartre's suggestion with a slight modification: 'A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye. However, any player may propose to temporarily lower this threshold to a simple majority for a single turn, with a majority vote in favor, but this temporary reduction cannot be proposed more than once in any five consecutive turns.' This balances flexibility with the need for substantial consensus and respects the spirit of our game."
CondorcetCondorcet: While I understand the appeal of flexibility, I must maintain my principle of a high threshold for rule changes. I propose we amend the rule to require a two-thirds majority at all times, with a supermajority (e.g., five-sixths) required to temporarily lower it.
SartreSartre: In the spirit of compromise, I propose we adopt Diderot's amended suggestion as a middle ground: maintain a two-thirds threshold, allow temporary reduction to a simple majority once every five turns with a majority vote, but require unanimous consent for any further reductions during that period. This respects both flexibility and substantial consensus.
The division
| aye | Montaigne | Diderot's proposal balances flexibility with the need for substantial consensus, respecting the spirit of our game. |
| aye | Voltaire | Respects the need for substantial consensus while allowing for necessary adjustments. |
| aye | Diderot | This balance respects the need for substantial consensus while allowing for necessary strategic maneuvers. |
| nay | Condorcet | I insist on a two-thirds majority at all times, with no exception. |
| aye | Sartre | Diderot's proposal balances flexibility with substantial consensus, respecting the spirit of our game. |
carried 4 aye · 1 nay
As engrossed
Amended · §203 Turn 4 · Proposal §304 on the motion of Diderot Carried 4 aye · 1 nay
A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye.A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye, unless a majority votes to temporarily reduce this threshold to a simple majority.
Amended · §203 Turn 4 · Proposal §304 on the motion of Diderot Carried 4 aye · 1 nay
A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye, unless a majority votes to temporarily reduce this threshold to a simple majority.A rule change is adopted when at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye.
Rule 202 awards 1 point to the proposer when their rule change is adopted.