Gildistillögum

Gildistillögum is an Icelandic term that translates to "value-based policies" or "value-based legislation" in English. It refers to the practice of crafting laws and governmental policies that are explicitly designed to uphold and promote specific societal values. These values can encompass a wide range of principles, such as environmental protection, social equality, economic fairness, cultural preservation, or national sovereignty.

The core idea behind gildistillögum is that legislation should not merely be a technical set of rules but should actively reflect and reinforce the fundamental beliefs and aspirations of the society it governs. This approach encourages a more deliberate and principled form of governance, moving beyond purely pragmatic considerations to address ethical and moral dimensions.

In practice, implementing gildistillögum involves identifying the core values that a society wishes to prioritize and then translating these values into concrete policy objectives. This process often requires public discourse and consensus-building to ensure that the chosen values are broadly representative and accepted. Once identified, these values serve as a guiding framework for drafting new laws or revising existing ones, ensuring that policy decisions are aligned with the desired societal outcomes. The effectiveness of gildistillögum depends on clear articulation of the values and consistent application in policy-making.