Restrained competition everywhere favors discrete qualitative over graded limits
Evidence
In sum, the problem of limiting warfare involves not a continuous range of possibilities from most favorable to least favorable for either side; it is a lumpy, discrete world that is better able to recognize qualitative than quantitative differences, that is embarrassed by the multiplicity of choices, and that forces both sides to accept some dictation from the elements themselves. The writer suggests that the same is true of restrained competition in every field in which it occurs. — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 196
Categorization
- XREF: Generalizes the bright-line principle to all restrained competition, reinforcing the reader’s private-enforcement framework. — connects to: Simple discrete salient limits enable coordinated expectations. — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 602; Tacit limits require qualitative boundaries amenable to complete abstention — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 194; Rules function as rules only if they tolerate some suboptimal outcomes — Frederick Schauer, Thinking Like a Lawyer, 223
Related
- Simple discrete salient limits enable coordinated expectations. (similarity 0.81)
- Limits emerge through tacit jockeying and need unique focal qualities. (similarity 0.79)
- Tacit limits require qualitative boundaries amenable to complete abstention (similarity 0.79)
Broader Connections
- Rules function as rules only if they tolerate some suboptimal outcomes
#qualifies(0.72) — Frederick Schauer, Thinking Like a Lawyer, 223