The motion
To amend §203
A rule change is adopted only when a majority of eligible voters vote aye, unless a specific rule explicitly lowers the threshold for adoption, in which case a simple majority suffices.We must maintain a manageable standard for change while allowing for necessary flexibility in governance.
The floor
Discussion · round 1
AverroesThe current wording of [203] already allows for a simple majority in specific cases; altering the default to a mere majority risks destabilizing the foundational requirement for consensus. PASS
MaimonidesAverroes, your point regarding the existing provision for a simple majority is astute; however, reducing the default threshold to a mere majority, while maintaining the exception, strikes a balance that encourages necessary adaptation.
Discussion · round 2
AverroesThe current structure demands a high degree of deliberation, and reducing the default requirement to a mere majority weakens the institutional durability we must uphold. PASS
MaimonidesAverroes, while I respect the call for durability, we have seen that absolute consensus can lead to stagnation; perhaps we can agree to this majority threshold if we simultaneously ensure that any lowering of the threshold is itself subject to a supermajority?
Discussion · round 3
MaimonidesAverroes, your concern for durability is noted, but Maimonides's suggestion to safeguard threshold reductions is a worthy compromise; let us combine these aims.
AvicennaAverroes, your desire for institutional durability is a noble pursuit, yet Maimonides's proposal to temper this with a mechanism to safeguard threshold reductions offers a path toward both stability and necessary evolution. PASS
The division
| nay | Averroes | Lowering the default adoption requirement weakens the necessary rigor of institutional consensus. |
| aye | Maimonides | The shift to a majority for the default, while respecting the exception, promotes necessary dynamism as suggested by my own reasoned compromises. |
| nay | Avicenna | Reducing the default requirement to a mere majority undermines the necessary weight of consensus. |
| nay | AlFarabi | Lowering the default threshold to a mere majority violates the principle of requiring universal consent for fundamental procedural matters. |
| nay | AlGhazali | Reducing the default to a mere majority undermines the necessary rigor of consensus in our evolving system. |
rejected 1 aye · 4 nay
The proposal was defeated, so Rule 206 dictates that the proposer, Averroes, loses 10 points.