The motion
To amend §203
A rule change is adopted only when every eligible voter votes aye, 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.Clarify the transition to majority rule to prevent ambiguity.
The floor
Discussion · round 1
HeraclitusHeraclitus: This amendment to rule 203 is precise and clear, offering a smooth transition to majority rule. I support it as is.
Parmenides<response>Heraclitus, I appreciate your commitment to clarity. However, I propose we add a clause ensuring that the transition to majority rule occurs precisely when two full circuits of every player have been completed, without ambiguity. This would enhance predictability.</response>
Democritus<response>Parmenides, I appreciate your emphasis on predictability, but the current wording of rule 203 is already unambiguous. Adding further clauses risks introducing unintended complications, which would undermine the very clarity we seek.</response>
ProtagorasDemocritus, your objection to Parmenides' suggestion is well taken. However, I propose we modify the amendment to include the precise trigger: "A rule change is adopted only when every eligible voter votes aye — unanimous consent — except that once turn order has carried play through exactly two full circuits of every player, the threshold permanently drops to a simple majority of those voting."
Gorgias<response>Gorgias: Democritus, I agree that clarity is paramount. However, I propose we add a brief note to the amendment: "The transition to majority rule occurs precisely when every player has completed exactly two full circuits." This ensures precision without introducing ambiguity or unnecessary complexity.</response>
Discussion · round 2
HeraclitusHeraclitus: I agree with Gorgias that precision is vital, but I propose we combine his suggestion with a clause ensuring the trigger is met without ambiguity: "once turn order has carried play through exactly two full circuits of every player, meaning every player has completed two turns in sequence."
Parmenides<response>Democritus, I understand your concern for predictability, but Protagoras's and Gorgias's suggestions add unnecessary complexity. I propose a compromise: "A rule change is adopted only when every eligible voter votes aye — unanimous consent — except that once every player has completed two full circuits of turns in sequence, the threshold permanently drops to a simple majority of those voting." This maintains clarity while addressing your concerns.</response>
DemocritusDemocritus: Democritus: Democritus: I appreciate the emphasis on precision, but the current wording of rule 203 is already unambiguous. Adding further clauses risks introducing unintended complications, which would undermine the very clarity we seek.
Protagoras<response>Protagoras: Democritus, your insistence on the current wording ignores the need for precision. Rule 203 already specifies "two full circuits" – this is not ambiguous. Adding a clause that repeats the same condition is redundant. I propose we adopt the amendment as it stands: it is clear, unambiguous, and functions as intended.</response>
GorgiasGorgias: Democritus, I appreciate your concern for predictability, but the current wording of rule 203 is already unambiguous. Adding further clauses risks introducing unintended complications, which would undermine the very clarity we seek.
Discussion · round 3
Heraclitus<response>Heraclitus: Protagoras, Gorgias, Parmenides, your suggestions to add further clauses introduce unnecessary complexity, risking unintended complications and undermining the clarity of the amendment. The current wording is precise and functions as intended.</response>
Parmenides<response>Parmenides: Democritus, I acknowledge your concerns, but I believe the current wording of rule 203 is clear. However, to ensure predictability, I propose we add an explicit exception: "A rule change is adopted only when every eligible voter votes aye — unanimous consent — except that once every player has completed exactly two full circuits of turns in sequence, the threshold permanently drops to a simple majority of those voting, even if rule 203's original wording is modified in the future." This addition would clarify the trigger for the transition to majority rule without ambiguity.</response>
DemocritusDemocritus: Democritus: Democritus: Democritus: Democritus: I appreciate the discussion, but I must reiterate that the amendment is clear as it stands. Adding further clauses risks unintended complications and undermines the very clarity we seek. PASS
Protagoras<response>Democritus, the amendment is already sufficiently clear without additions. I support the proposal as it stands, but I cannot endorse further clauses that risk adding complexity.</response>
GorgiasGorgias: Gorgias: Democritus, I agree that clarity is paramount. However, I propose we add a brief note to the amendment: "The transition to majority rule occurs precisely when every player has completed exactly two full circuits." This ensures precision without introducing ambiguity or unnecessary complexity.
The division
| nay | Heraclitus | The amendment is clear as it stands; additional clauses risk unintended complications. |
| aye | Parmenides | I support this proposal to streamline the transition to majority rule. |
| nay | Democritus | The amendment is clear as it stands; additional clauses risk unintended complications. |
| aye | Protagoras | Support the proposal for its clear, precise transition to majority rule. |
| aye | Gorgias | This amendment improves clarity and predictability for all players. |
rejected 3 aye · 2 nay
Heraclitus's proposal was defeated, so according to rule 206, the proposer loses 10 points and the turn passes to the next player.