>Semantics means arguing over definitions, not misunderstanding them.
Ah the semantics of semantics. If two people disagree on a definition, then there will be some belief that the counterparty "misunderstands" the definition. That goes hand in hand.
>The difference between positive- and zero-sum systems is unambiguous.
And uncontested.
>We can call participating in the latter, whether by trading cryptocurrencies or derivatives or playing slots, with an intent to profit gambling
Yes we can.
We can also call a well diversified portfolio of 'positive-sum' investments gambling. You are risking your money on the chance you'll have a favorable outcome. There is no riskless portfolio. You are forced to gamble if you keep your wealth, because there is always an element of chance regarding maintaining your wealth. The default, uninvested state, for most is to gamble inflation won't eat it away.
Again, semantics: 'Investments' are not required to be made on 'positive-sum' underlying assets. For instance, airlines may make an investment in oil futures (a zero sum contract) to hedge expenses that correlate with their fuel costs.
>Crypto and slot machines are not positive sum.
I think this the part where I link to a wikipedia page of a fallacy I don't understand/doesn't apply? /s
Ah the semantics of semantics. If two people disagree on a definition, then there will be some belief that the counterparty "misunderstands" the definition. That goes hand in hand.
>The difference between positive- and zero-sum systems is unambiguous.
And uncontested.
>We can call participating in the latter, whether by trading cryptocurrencies or derivatives or playing slots, with an intent to profit gambling
Yes we can.
We can also call a well diversified portfolio of 'positive-sum' investments gambling. You are risking your money on the chance you'll have a favorable outcome. There is no riskless portfolio. You are forced to gamble if you keep your wealth, because there is always an element of chance regarding maintaining your wealth. The default, uninvested state, for most is to gamble inflation won't eat it away.