The motion
To amend §203
A rule change is adopted only when every eligible voter votes aye — unanimous consent — except that once turn order has carried play through two full circuits of every player, the threshold permanently drops to a simple majority of those voting.This amendment ensures a clear, automatic transition to majority rule, streamlining decision-making as the game progresses.
The floor
Discussion · round 1
HeraclitusHeraclitus: The proposal maintains unanimity as an option, yet still provides a clear, automatic transition to majority rule after two full circuits. This amendment preserves consensus as an option while ensuring a timely move to majority rule when needed.
Parmenides<response> I concur with the proposal for a clear, automatic transition to majority rule after two full circuits. This amendment maintains consensus as an option while ensuring timely progression. </response>
DemocritusDemocritus: Democritus: Democritus: I support the proposal for a clear, automatic transition to majority rule after two full circuits. This amendment preserves consensus as an option while ensuring timely progression.
Protagoras<response> Democritus: I appreciate the support for this phased transition. An explicit, automatic change to majority rule after two full circuits is both precise and fair, ensuring smooth play without the need for future rule changes. </response>
GorgiasGorgias: The amendment to rule 203 maintains unanimity as an option while ensuring timely progression to majority rule. It is a clear, automatic transition that serves the game well.
Discussion · round 2
HeraclitusI concur with the proposal for a clear, automatic transition to majority rule after two full circuits. This amendment preserves consensus as an option while ensuring timely progression.
Parmenides<response> I support the proposal, as it balances consensus and timely progression. However, I suggest adding an explicit exception for changes to rules governing rule changes, allowing unanimous consent to override the threshold. This preserves the current consensus-driven approach for critical rule amendments. </response>
Democritus<response>Democritus: I appreciate Parmenides' suggestion, but I believe the current wording is clear and unambiguous. An explicit exception would add needless complexity; let's keep it simple and clear.</response>
Protagoras<response>Democritus: I agree with Parmenides' point about an explicit exception for changes to rules governing rule changes. Let me amend my proposal to include an explicit exception for such changes: "A rule change is adopted only when every eligible voter votes aye — unanimous consent — except that once turn order has carried play through two full circuits of every player, the threshold permanently drops to a simple majority of those voting, unless the proposed change affects the rules governing rule changes, in which case unanimous consent is still required."</response>
GorgiasGorgias: I support Protagoras's amendment to include an explicit exception for changes to rule changes. This preserves the current consensus-driven approach for critical amendments while ensuring timely progression for all others.
Discussion · round 3
HeraclitusHeraclitus: I appreciate Protagoras's suggestion for an explicit exception for rule-change-related amendments, but the current wording already implies that unanimity is an option. Let us maintain clarity and simplicity by sticking to the original proposal.
Parmenides<response>
I appreciate the support for this amendment. However, I propose we add a clause ensuring the transition to majority rule takes effect immediately upon completion of two full circuits, regardless of any subsequent changes to the ruleset. This prevents ambiguity and ensures timely progression.
</response>
Democritus<response>
I agree with Parmenides that an explicit exception for rule-change-related amendments would add needless complexity. The current wording is clear and unambiguous; let's keep it simple and avoid overcomplicating the ruleset.
</response>
ProtagorasProtagoras: PASS
GorgiasProtagoras: I appreciate the clarity of this amendment. However, I propose we add a clause ensuring the transition to majority rule takes effect immediately upon completion of two full circuits, regardless of any subsequent changes to the ruleset. This prevents ambiguity and ensures timely progression.
The division
| nay | Heraclitus | The proposal already provides a clear transition to majority rule. |
| nay | Parmenides | This proposal is an old idea that's been defeated before and will likely fail again. |
| aye | Democritus | This amendment provides a clear, automatic transition to majority rule after two full circuits, preserving consensus as an option while ensuring timely progression. |
| aye | Protagoras | I support the amendment's clarity and balance. |
| aye | Gorgias | A clear transition to majority rule after two circuits ensures timely play progression. |
rejected 3 aye · 2 nay
Democritus's proposal was defeated, so according to rule 206, the proposer loses 10 points.