I think the main complaint about “signalling” is when it’s a lie. E.g. if there’s some product that claims to be sophisticated, but is in fact not a reliable signal of sophistication (being usable without sophistication at all). Then people might feel affronted by people who propogate the advertising claims because of honesty-based aesthetics. I’m happy to call this an important difference from non-lie signalling, and also from other aesthetic preferences.
Oh, and there’s wasteful signalling, can’t forget about that either.
[ETA: posted a Question instead]
Question: What’s the difference, conceptually, between each of the following if any?
For example:
Do some of these point legitimately or illegitimately at self-deception?
Are some of these a confusion of levels and others less so?
Are some of these instances of working wishful thinking?
Are some of these better seen as actions rather than rationalizations?
I think the main complaint about “signalling” is when it’s a lie. E.g. if there’s some product that claims to be sophisticated, but is in fact not a reliable signal of sophistication (being usable without sophistication at all). Then people might feel affronted by people who propogate the advertising claims because of honesty-based aesthetics. I’m happy to call this an important difference from non-lie signalling, and also from other aesthetic preferences.
Oh, and there’s wasteful signalling, can’t forget about that either.