The Disambiguation Cost of Accountability

SEEKING INPUTThis text serves as a prospectus for a philosophical essay by Bry Willis, which examines the linguistic mechanics behind the concept of accountability. The author argues that accountability is a "quasi-invariant" term, meaning it is presented as a fixed, stable concept while its actual meaning remains ambiguous and fluid. By maintaining this semantic blurring between simple explanation and material consequence, institutions can use the term to achieve procedural closure without necessarily delivering genuine redress. Willis introduces the idea of "disambiguation cost" to explain why it is difficult and expensive for speakers to force a single, clear definition during disputes. Ultimately, the source suggests that the perceived failures of accountability are not accidental defects but functional features that allow institutions to persist through ritualised performance. The text concludes by framing these linguistic insights as a way to understand why increasing oversight and metrics often fails to make accountability more effective.👉 https://brywillis634737.substack.com/