Suppose that a vast group of statements that sound (they really, REALLY sound) like propositions about economic cause and effect are ALL interpreted by a great many people always and only as either “Yay blues” or “Boo blues.”
In that case, your ability to tell the truth is limited by their way of filtering your statements, and your ability to tell lie is equally hampered. All you can do is decide whether to say Yay or Boo or not say anything at all (which will also often be interpreted one way or the other if you’re involved in politics). It is an illusion that you’re saying something about the minimum wage, for example. All you’re really saying is “Yay blues!” as far as a great many people are concerned.
And if you’re aware of this and count on it, you can choose to use statements that way on purpose, such that that IS all you’re really saying.
Suppose that a vast group of statements that sound (they really, REALLY sound) like propositions about economic cause and effect are ALL interpreted by a great many people always and only as either “Yay blues” or “Boo blues.”
In that case, your ability to tell the truth is limited by their way of filtering your statements, and your ability to tell lie is equally hampered. All you can do is decide whether to say Yay or Boo or not say anything at all (which will also often be interpreted one way or the other if you’re involved in politics). It is an illusion that you’re saying something about the minimum wage, for example. All you’re really saying is “Yay blues!” as far as a great many people are concerned.
And if you’re aware of this and count on it, you can choose to use statements that way on purpose, such that that IS all you’re really saying.
This is most of politics.
Thanks for the additional clarification.