Discutiriam

Discutiriam is a fictional term used in speculative fiction and thought experiments to denote a formal method of dialogue designed to resolve disputes through structured argumentation.

Etymology: The coinage blends Latin roots. The prefix suggests discussion or examination, drawing on discutere, and the suffix -arium indicates a place or system, framing it as a dedicated arena for discourse.

Origin and usage: In the fictional corpus, discutiriam was developed by philosophers in the city-state of Valorsa as a formalized method to ensure fairness in argument. It is described as a procedural discipline used in academies, courts of reason, and collaborative governance.

Process: Sessions begin with a moderator outlining the claim, followed by a structured turn-taking sequence: speaker, counter-speaker, and synthesis, each limited by time. Rules require paraphrase, evidence, and avoidance of ad hominem, with a concluding synthesis proposing a resolution or avenues for further inquiry.

Reception and influence: While fictional, discutiriam appears in scholarly exercises and tabletop role-playing games as a mechanism for debate. Critics note that it emphasizes mutual understanding and verifiability of claims over rhetorical victory.

See also: related concepts include debate, dialectic, deliberation, and constructive dialogue.