I think I’ll switch to saying: zero-sum of X (ex.: zero-sum of dollars) and conflict game (given it’s a fair term and is already in use) for their respective meaning.
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.
I think I’ll switch to saying: zero-sum of X (ex.: zero-sum of dollars) and conflict game (given it’s a fair term and is already in use) for their respective meaning.
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.