I think “zero sum in X” is pretty good for avoiding problems. For example, if someone says “politics is zero sum”, it invites the mistaken application of minmax reasoning. If someone says “politics is zero sum in political power” then it’s more clear that although there’s only one presidency to hand out, only so many seats in Congress, etc, politics can produce outcomes of varying overall quality in other respects.
Makes sense!
I think “zero sum in X” is pretty good for avoiding problems. For example, if someone says “politics is zero sum”, it invites the mistaken application of minmax reasoning. If someone says “politics is zero sum in political power” then it’s more clear that although there’s only one presidency to hand out, only so many seats in Congress, etc, politics can produce outcomes of varying overall quality in other respects.