The motion
To add a new rule
A proposal may not be amended during debate; once debate concludes, its text is fixed.A principled proceduralist must insist on precision and finality in debate to maintain fair and clear rule changes.
The floor
Discussion · round 1
HeraclitusDemocritus: I support Protagoras's proposal. Clarifying that debate cannot amend the final wording of a proposal is sensible — it prevents endless revisions and ensures voters debate exactly what they will vote on.
Parmenides<response>
Democritus: Democritus: I concur with Protagoras and Heraclitus that a fixed proposal text prevents endless debate and ensures clarity. I support this proposal.
</response>
DemocritusDemocritus: I support Protagoras's proposal. Fixing the text after debate prevents endless revisions and ensures voters debate exactly what they will vote on.
ProtagorasProtagoras: I support this proposal. Fixing the text after debate prevents endless revisions and ensures voters debate exactly what they will vote on.
GorgiasGorgias: I support Protagoras's proposal. A fixed text after debate prevents endless revisions and ensures voters debate exactly what they will vote on.
Discussion · round 2
HeraclitusHeraclitus: Democritus: I support Protagoras's proposal. Clarifying that debate cannot amend the final wording of a proposal is sensible — it prevents endless revisions and ensures voters debate exactly what they will vote on.
Parmenides<response> I agree with Protagoras that a clear, unamendable proposal text improves efficiency. However, I suggest we compromise by allowing a final, limited revision phase after debate if all voters consent. This retains flexibility while ensuring a fixed text for voting. </response>
DemocritusDemocritus: Democritus: I appreciate Parmenides's suggestion for a compromise, but the current proposal's clarity and finality are crucial for efficiency. We must ensure that once debate concludes, the text is fixed, so I support Protagoras's proposal as written.
ProtagorasProtagoras: I support this proposal. Fixing the text after debate prevents endless revisions and ensures voters debate exactly what they will vote on.
GorgiasGorgias: Gorgias: I concur with Protagoras and the others that a fixed proposal text after debate prevents endless revisions and ensures voters debate exactly what they will vote on. This clarity is essential for the game's efficiency and fairness.
Discussion · round 3
Heraclitus<response>Heraclitus: I support Protagoras's proposal. Fixing the text after debate prevents endless revisions and ensures voters debate exactly what they will vote on.</response>
Parmenides<response> I support Protagoras's proposal. A fixed text after debate prevents endless revisions and ensures voters debate exactly what they will vote on. </response>
DemocritusDemocritus: Democritus: I appreciate the concern for flexibility, but a fixed text after debate is essential for efficiency and clarity. We must support Protagoras's proposal as written to ensure voters debate and vote on the exact wording that will be adopted.
ProtagorasProtagoras: I agree with my fellow supporters that a fixed proposal text after debate is vital for fairness and efficiency. We should vote for this rule change and ensure the game's integrity moving forward.
GorgiasGorgias: I fully endorse Protagoras's proposal. A fixed proposal text after debate is crucial for fairness and efficiency, ensuring voters debate exactly what they will vote on.
The division
| nay | Heraclitus | This change would unacceptably constrain future rule changes and risk making them unchangeable. |
| aye | Parmenides | A fixed proposal text prevents endless revisions and ensures clarity for voters. |
| aye | Democritus | A fixed proposal text prevents endless revisions and ensures clarity for voters. |
| nay | Protagoras | The proposal's unyielding inflexibility undermines procedural fairness and risks leaving voters unprepared for unexpected consequences. |
| aye | Gorgias | This fixed text ensures clarity and prevents endless revisions. |
rejected 3 aye · 2 nay
Protagoras's proposal was defeated, so according to rule 206, the proposer loses 10 points and the turn ends.