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."

Law of the Absolute and Relative Ad Hocs by Dumu The Void February 17, 2026