Self-nullifying Claims. A Brief Handbook for Survival in Relativist Encounters.

There is a very easy way to determine if your opponent in debate is worthy of your time. Use this acid test:

If your opponent issues one of the statements below, or some statement of like content, simply point out their error in logic. If they stand corrected, continue the debate. If not, get out. It is probably a waste of your time.

Let's begin.

1. "Nothing is absolutely true."
This statement itself is an absolute truth claim. Ask your opponent if that statement itself is "absolutely true." If it is not, then some things can be absolutely or objectively true. If it is absolutely true, then it nullifies itself.

2. "Everything is relative."
This statement is all-inclusive and includes the statement itself. If the statement itself is relative, it cannot be treated as universally, objectively true.

3. "That's just your opinion."
Never mind that this statement is often totally false and uttered after an encounter with unpleasant, real-world factual information. Just flip it around. Ask "Is that just your opinion?"

I'll close with a great quote attributed to Oscar Wilde:

"Everything in moderation, including moderation."

Have a great day.

~KafkA

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Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist residing in Niigata, Japan.