No problem. To me it is an interesting question in itself in general; as such I do not think you are baiting anyone.
I am mildly concerned that what we are experiencing in our chat can be classified as 'cultural differences'. As such, our assumptions and cultural norms may not be the same.
With that in mind, I probably should define few things.
1. What is tyranny[1]?
- oppressive power
- a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler
- a rigorous condition imposed by some outside agency or force
- an oppressive, harsh, or unjust act : a tyrannical act
A lot of people default to the 2nd one, because it is, the one most covered in our history lessons. That said, just because it is the most recognized definition, it is not the only one. I have a pet theory as to why, but that is probably not a place for such musings on my part.
2. Beyond that, I noticed that the questions attempt to conflate societal and governmental rules, which is fair as you want to establish the lines, but I fear it may muddle the point somewhat. It is possible I am channeling Chomsky a little here, but would you be willing to accept a distinction between private power ( corporation ) and societal power ( society and its byproduct government )?
If so, I think we can try to answer those questions.
>> Is paying for food/rent also a tyranny? (because who actually wants to pay for that)
Food and shelter are necessities. For practical purposes, any governing structure quickly recognizes that hungry and homeless population ( especially if it outnumbers fed population and population with an abode ) is a recipe for an end to that governing structure. As such, most bodies do try to keep basic minimum needs met.
That said, it does not appear to meet the definitions above at this time. Although, we are slowly reaching a boiling point of renting/housing being so expensive that it is "oppressive, harsh, or unjust act". Food-wise, it does not appear to be the case yet despite record inflation. Most can still eat, albeit not as much, or as well, as they used to
>> Is the need to contribute to society a tyranny?
Depends. What is the society we are discussing? Is the contribution unfair? If so, tyranny definition could apply.
>> Is it a tyranny to enforce laws like a speed limit through a school zone?
Maybe? Is the law enforced in an unfair manner ( say only women are stopped )? If so, tyranny definition could apply.
In short, I do not really believe in one and zero type answer. If anything, it is a spectrum of sorts and this does not even begin to cover the deeper dive into differences between corporate and non-corporate power structures.
I am mildly concerned that what we are experiencing in our chat can be classified as 'cultural differences'. As such, our assumptions and cultural norms may not be the same.
With that in mind, I probably should define few things.
1. What is tyranny[1]?
2. Beyond that, I noticed that the questions attempt to conflate societal and governmental rules, which is fair as you want to establish the lines, but I fear it may muddle the point somewhat. It is possible I am channeling Chomsky a little here, but would you be willing to accept a distinction between private power ( corporation ) and societal power ( society and its byproduct government )?If so, I think we can try to answer those questions.
>> Is paying for food/rent also a tyranny? (because who actually wants to pay for that)
>> Is the need to contribute to society a tyranny? >> Is it a tyranny to enforce laws like a speed limit through a school zone? In short, I do not really believe in one and zero type answer. If anything, it is a spectrum of sorts and this does not even begin to cover the deeper dive into differences between corporate and non-corporate power structures.I hope I did not make it too esoteric.
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyranny