I have a suspicion that with the teacher example, there might have been a deeper layer.
Namely, admitting past drug use might have been very unsafe for someone in their position (job security considerations, and so on), but lying about it would make one feel dirty.
So there is this sophisticated-looking maneuver, which allows one to avoid both unpleasant alternatives, of lying and of taking the risk. (Observe, that it’s not even clear if the teacher was communicating their sincerely-held position versus just doing something mandated by their superiors.)
Great post, thanks!
I have a suspicion that with the teacher example, there might have been a deeper layer.
Namely, admitting past drug use might have been very unsafe for someone in their position (job security considerations, and so on), but lying about it would make one feel dirty.
So there is this sophisticated-looking maneuver, which allows one to avoid both unpleasant alternatives, of lying and of taking the risk. (Observe, that it’s not even clear if the teacher was communicating their sincerely-held position versus just doing something mandated by their superiors.)