Ultimum verbum

[Monty]

The ultimum verbum [fallacy] is common among [internet users] who frequent message boards but is also commonly used throughout non-internet life. This fallacy, as it Latin name denotes, is simply the fallacy of having the last word. Most internet users who are keen on ruthlessly promoting their ideas will continue to post arguments or rebuttals in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. [Internet users] who have strong opinions feel the need to have the last post as mark of external validation of their worldview. A key component of ultimum verbum fallacies on the internet is the a priori, metaphysical distinction between [ITT] and IRL: as if the events of ITT were not occurring [in IRL]. Another example of this fallacy is common in marriage. The husband, [shackled] down by the promise of sex, must obey his wifes commands no matter how unreasonable they may be. When she says Honey, you cant have beer with your friends at the bar tonight!, the husband may chose to ignore that dictate but only to his [peril]. So in this case the wife presents an ultimum verbum case which any sharp husband would recognize as such but would not dare contest if he cares about getting laid on a somewhat regular basis.