Avarakatseisestä

Avarakatseinen is a Finnish adjective meaning broad-minded or open-minded. It describes a person, attitude, or approach that tolerates a wide range of opinions, cultures, or ideas. The corresponding noun avarakatseisuus means broad-mindedness. The genitive form avarakatseisestä is used in phrases such as avarakatseisestä näkökulmasta meaning “from a broad-minded perspective” and avarakatseisesta asenteesta meaning “from a broad-minded attitude.” The word is common in contemporary Finnish discourse, particularly in discussions about education, politics, culture, and social issues.

Etymology and nuance: the term is formed from avara "wide, expansive" and katseinen "seeing/outlook," literally "wide-seeing." The connotation is positive, but it can be framed critically when used to describe relativism or lack of principled stance.

Usage and nuance: avarakatseinen is typically positive, signaling willingness to engage with diverse viewpoints, avoid dogma, and consider reform. In some contexts it may be criticized as overly relativistic if it appears to downplay important ethical boundaries.

Synonyms and related terms include suvaitsevaisuus (tolerance), epädogmaattinen (non-dogmatic), laaja-alainen (broad-ranging), and tolerantti (tolerant). Antonyms include dogmaattinen (dogmatic) and kapea-ajattinen (narrow-minded).

Example: Avarakatseisestä näkökulmasta tarkasteltuna tuo ratkaisu edistää yhteisymmärrystä. Keskustelusta kannattaa pitää kiinni avarakatseisesta asenteesta.