Hoc Est Relativismus Fallacy

A fallacy where someone dismisses arguments by labeling them "relativism." The label functions as automatic refutation: relativism is assumed obviously self-refuting, so labeling an argument relativist ends discussion. The fallacy lies in treating the label as proof, ignoring that sophisticated relativisms exist and that labeling doesn't engage content. It's philosophical name-calling dressed as critique.

"I suggested that truth might be perspective-dependent. Response: 'That's just relativism—self-refuting!' That's Hoc Est Relativismus Fallacy—using the label as a dismissal, not engaging the position. Maybe it's relativist; maybe it's something else. The label doesn't prove self-refutation; argument does. But labeling avoids argument."

Hoc Est Relativismus Fallacy by Dumu The Void March 2, 2026