Law of the Absolute and Relative Ad Hocs

The principle that ad hoc constructions operate in two modes: absolute ad hocs (solutions or explanations that are so perfect for their specific case that they achieve a kind of universal validity within that case) and relative ad hocs (temporary fixes that work for now, in this context, but won't survive beyond it). The law acknowledges that some ad hoc solutions become permanent—the temporary fix that becomes the standard, the one-off explanation that becomes the theory. Others remain forever ad hoc, useful only in their original context. The law of absolute and relative ad hocs helps distinguish between the ad hoc that transcends its origins and the ad hoc that remains forever local.

Law of the Absolute and Relative Ad Hocs Example: "His ad hoc fix for the leaking pipe—a clamp and some rubber—worked so well it became the permanent solution. The law of absolute and relative ad hocs said: this ad hoc transcended its origins; it became absolute for this pipe. His later ad hoc fix for a relationship problem—flowers and an apology—remained relative: it worked once, for that fight, and couldn't be generalized. Both were valid in their way."

by Dumu The Void February 17, 2026

Law of the Spectral Ad Hocs

The principle that ad hoc constructions exist on a spectrum between absolute and relative, with infinite gradations and multiple dimensions. Under this law, no ad hoc is purely absolute or purely relative—each occupies a position in spectral space defined by its generality, its durability, its context-dependence, its transferability. Some ad hocs are nearly absolute (the fix that works in many situations), some nearly relative (the one-off that never repeats), most somewhere in between. The law of the spectral ad hocs recognizes that ad hoc is not a binary category but a continuous field, with every temporary solution located somewhere on the spectrum of permanence.

Law of the Spectral Ad Hocs Example: "She mapped her life's ad hocs using spectral analysis: the career decision that worked perfectly and lasted decades (near absolute), the parking spot trick that worked only in that one garage (near relative), the relationship advice that helped some friends and not others (spectral middle). The coordinates showed where her ad hocs were likely to generalize and where they were just for her. The map didn't predict the future, but it helped her navigate it."

by Dumu The Void February 17, 2026

Ad Hoc Sciences

The systematic study of ad hoc constructions—temporary solutions, situational explanations, one-off fixes—and their role in human affairs. Ad hoc sciences examine how ad hoc reasoning works, when it's appropriate, and how it can be improved. They study the psychology of ad hoc (why we invent what we invent), the sociology of ad hoc (how temporary fixes spread or die), and the history of ad hoc (which temporary solutions became permanent). Ad hoc sciences are themselves somewhat ad hoc—developed for this purpose, in this context, without claiming universality. They're the science of making do, and they make do themselves.

Example: "He studied ad hoc sciences, learning how to generate temporary solutions that worked well enough for now. His dissertation was titled 'The Epistemology of the Temporary: How We Know What Works for Now.' The committee found it either brilliant or ad hoc—they couldn't decide which. He graduated anyway, which was ad hoc enough."

by Dumu The Void February 17, 2026

Ad Hoc Science

The practice of doing science in an ad hoc manner—developing hypotheses for specific cases, testing solutions in particular contexts, building theories that explain local phenomena without claiming universality. Ad hoc science is what happens when you can't wait for general theories, when you need answers now, when the situation demands action before understanding. It's the science of emergency rooms, of startup pivots, of parenting—contexts where general principles help but specific solutions are needed. Ad hoc science is not inferior; it's just different. It's science for the real world, where most problems are local and most solutions are temporary.

Example: "She practiced ad hoc science in her garden, trying different combinations of plants, soil, water, and sun until something worked. She didn't develop general principles; she just found what worked here, in this plot, this year. Next year, she'd start over. Ad hoc science wasn't publishable, but it grew vegetables."

by Dumu The Void February 17, 2026

Ad Hoc Technologies

Tools and devices developed for specific, often temporary purposes—jury-rigged fixes, makeshift solutions, one-off inventions that solve a particular problem and then are discarded. Ad hoc technologies are the opposite of engineered products: they're not designed for mass production, not tested for reliability, not intended to last. They're what you build when the thing you need doesn't exist and you need it now. Duct tape and paperclip solutions, software patches that fix one bug, temporary structures that become permanent—all are ad hoc technologies. They're ugly, fragile, and brilliant in their context. They're the technologies of making do.

Ad Hoc Technologies Example: "He built an ad hoc technology to keep his laptop cool—a folded paper wedge and a desk fan. It worked perfectly, looked ridiculous, and would never be sold. Ad hoc technology had done its job: solved a problem, right now, with what was at hand. When the fan died, he'd build something else."

by Dumu The Void February 17, 2026

Ad Hoc Engineering

The practice of designing and building solutions for specific, often temporary situations—engineering without the luxury of planning, testing, or mass production. Ad hoc engineering is what happens in emergencies, in remote locations, in startup offices, in any situation where you need something to work now and can't wait for proper engineering. It's the art of the temporary fix, the makeshift solution, the structure that only needs to stand for a while. Ad hoc engineering is despised by professional engineers (who value reliability) and beloved by everyone else (who value results). It's engineering for the real world, where most problems are unique and most solutions are temporary.

Example: "She practiced ad hoc engineering in her apartment, building a bookshelf from cinder blocks and planks, a desk from a door and sawhorses, a headboard from an old fence. Nothing would survive a move; everything worked perfectly here. Ad hoc engineering wasn't permanent, but it was home."

by Dumu The Void February 17, 2026