Law of Absolute and Relative Truth

The principle that truth operates in two modes simultaneously: absolute truth (true for everyone, everywhere, always) and relative truth (true within a context, for a particular observer, under specific conditions). The law acknowledges that some truths are universal—2+2=4, water freezes at 0°C at sea level—while others depend on perspective—"this room is cold" is true for some, false for others. Problems arise when people insist that all truth is absolute (denying perspective) or that all truth is relative (denying reality). The law of absolute and relative truth reconciles these positions by recognizing that truth has both dimensions, and wisdom lies in knowing which applies when.

Example: "They argued about whether the movie was good. He insisted it was objectively terrible (absolute truth). She said it was good for her (relative truth). The law of absolute and relative truth said they were both right—absolute truth about the movie's technical merits (which were measurable), relative truth about their enjoyment (which was personal). They agreed to disagree, which is what the law recommends."

by Abzugal February 16, 2026

Law of Absolute and Relative Truths

The principle that truths operate in two modes: absolute truths (statements that are true for everyone, everywhere, always) and relative truths (statements that are true within a context, for a particular observer, under specific conditions). The law acknowledges that some truths are universal—2+2=4, the laws of logic, the fact of existence. Other truths are perspective-dependent—"this room is cold," "this policy is fair," "this art is beautiful." The law of absolute and relative truths reconciles the human longing for certainty with the human experience of multiplicity. It's the foundation of intellectual humility: knowing what's absolutely true and what's relatively true, and never confusing the two.

Law of Absolute and Relative Truths Example: "They argued about whether the movie was good. He insisted it was objectively terrible (absolute truth). She said it was good for her (relative truth). The law of absolute and relative truths said they were both right—absolute truth about the movie's technical merits (which were measurable), relative truth about their enjoyment (which was personal). They agreed to disagree, which is what the law recommends."

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 16, 2026