Streamlining Language

Oftentimes we hold generalizations for the purpose of fluid conversation. Like Velcro, distinctions can lead to disagreement over smaller details, where each individual argues with varying force over quantities and details. This deliberation can be useful in the right contexts, but in conversation it can completely derail dialogue. It is friction. This is why we employ heuristics in order to group certain entities by their majorities and their dominating qualities. We can continue to do this as long as we are aware of these heuristics and can abide by the finer facts if someone chooses to dissect the issue.

For example, many times we refer to Congress with distaste, with visions of aggressive Republicans dismantling our society in our heads. But the constitution of Congress is always shifting, and there are probably several Progressive Democrats inside as well, so this disparagement blankets their existence. For that matter, the parties themselves, as well as more distinct labels we can use to classify individuals (such as progressive, liberal, centrist, conservative, far right) are always going to contain a variety of differing individuals of different behaviors even under the more specific labels and we should take note of that fact. We can argue over what sort of constitution Congress has and what sorts of qualities it embodies or we can skim over the matter with a heuristic that provides a basic constitution and quality for discussing Congress and move on to the rest of the topics. It all depends on what we want to accomplish in the discussion. As long as everyone understands this (and agrees on heuristic use that is at least reasonably accurate) we can do this. We can use these heuristics because groups of people often take on another quality altogether, and the behavior of most of the adherents are going to tend to conform to that of the most powerful in the group. But again the power can shift and the group’s constitution can change, so we must keep this in mind.

Perhaps we could look at the intellectual process itself as a division of labor. Those interested in deliberating over the finer distinctions could end up producing a relatively accurate heuristic for those to use in other purposes without getting bogged down. Of course, this process will be ever-changing, and good communication is absolutely essential. This is probably already the case to an extent, and has been for a while. It helps to explain what it is we are doing exactly, so that we can be more deliberate in our actions.