Idealthat

Idealthat is a coined term used in philosophy and decision theory to denote an idealized statement or goal state articulated by a that-clause. The word blends “ideal” with the conjunction “that” to stress the descriptive content of the target: idealthat p refers to the ideal instance of the proposition p or the best-possible realization of p.

In practical analysis, idealthat functions as a normative benchmark for evaluating options. It helps separate aspirational targets from feasible constraints and guides the framing of problems. Examples include idealthat universal healthcare is accessible to all without unacceptable costs, or idealthat a software interface is fully usable for diverse users with minimal friction. Because idealthat is an abstract ideal, real-world plans typically specify both the ideal and the means to approximate it within limits.

Because idealthat originates in abstract discourse rather than a formal standard, its exact interpretation varies across authors and contexts. Critics warn that conflating the ideal with achievable targets can encourage unrealistic expectations or mask important trade-offs. Proponents, by contrast, suggest that stating the ideal helps illuminate values and goals that should shape decisions, even if exact fulfillment remains unlikely.

See also: ideal; desideratum; goal-state; normative analysis; decision theory.