Political parallaxes are a common phenomenon in modern democracies. The term refers to the apparent shift in political positions and beliefs that occurs when politicians are viewed from different perspectives. Just like the parallax effect in astronomy, political parallaxes can reveal important truths about the positions and beliefs of politicians.
The concept of political parallaxes is rooted in the observation that politicians often tailor their message to different audiences. A politician may take a hard-line stance on a particular issue when speaking to a conservative audience, but adopt a more moderate position when addressing a liberal audience. This can lead to an apparent shift in their position depending on the perspective of the observer.
To understand political parallaxes, it is helpful to use the arcsecond theory of truth. This theory posits that the truth of a statement can be measured in terms of the angle of the statement’s arc relative to the observer’s position. A statement that is true from one perspective may appear false from another perspective, depending on the angle of the arc.
Applied to politics, the arcsecond theory suggests that the truth of a politician’s position on an issue can be measured in terms of the angle of the arc between their stated position and their true position. A politician who consistently takes a particular position on an issue, regardless of the audience, will have a small arc and therefore a high degree of truth. A politician who shifts their position depending on the audience will have a larger arc and therefore a lower degree of truth.
Of course, measuring the arc of a politician’s position on an issue is easier said than done. In practice, it can be difficult to determine a politician’s true position on an issue, and even harder to determine how that position may shift depending on the audience. Nonetheless, the concept of political parallaxes and the arcsecond theory of truth provide a useful framework for thinking about the truthfulness of politicians and their positions.
One example of political parallaxes in action can be seen in the issue of immigration. A politician may take a hard-line stance on immigration when speaking to a conservative audience, calling for tighter border controls and tougher penalties for illegal immigrants. However, when speaking to a liberal audience, that same politician may adopt a more moderate position, emphasizing the need for comprehensive immigration reform and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
From the perspective of a conservative observer, the politician’s position on immigration may appear to be consistent and truthful, with a small arc between their stated position and their true position. However, from the perspective of a liberal observer, the politician’s position may appear to be shifting and less truthful, with a larger arc between their stated position and their true position.
Another example of political parallaxes can be seen in the issue of climate change. A politician may publicly deny the reality of climate change when speaking to a conservative audience, but privately acknowledge the scientific consensus on the issue. From the perspective of a conservative observer, the politician’s position on climate change may appear to be consistent and truthful, with a small arc between their stated position and their true position. However, from the perspective of a liberal observer, the politician’s position may appear to be shifting and less truthful, with a larger arc between their stated position and their true position.
Of course, political parallaxes are not limited to issues of ideology and belief. They can also be observed in the way that politicians approach policy and governance. For example, a politician may campaign on a platform of fiscal responsibility and small government, but once in office, advocate for policies that expand the size and scope of government. From the perspective of a conservative observer, the politician’s position on government may appear to be shifting and less truthful, with a larger arc between their stated position and their true position.
The concept of political parallaxes highlights the importance of critical thinking and skepticism