Kriterion

Kriterion is a term with classical roots, used both as a transliteration of the Greek κριτήριον and as a proper name for cultural venues. The Greek κριτήριον means a standard, measure, or test by which something is judged; it is derived from κρίνω, to judge. In philosophy and logic, a criterion is a standard that determines whether a proposition is true, a decision is justified, or an ingredient is adequate. The spelling kriterion appears in older or transliterated texts and in the names of institutions rather than as a generic term in contemporary English.

In philosophical usage, kriterion is encountered as part of discussions about standards of evidence, justification, and validity. While modern English typically favors the spelling criterion, the form kriterion persists in historical texts and in some languages as a conventional or scholarly variant.

The name has also been adopted by cultural venues, especially in the Netherlands, where student-run organizations established spaces devoted to film screenings, lectures, and other cultural activities. Such Kriterion venues are typically oriented toward independent, experimental, or international cinema and serve as community hubs for discussion and education. Over time, some venues have evolved into multi-use centers offering performances, debates, and educational programs, while others have closed or shifted focus.

Overall, kriterion sits at the intersection of linguistic history and cultural naming. In scholarly contexts, it remains a variant spelling of criterion; as a proper noun, it identifies specific venues and organizations dedicated to critical engagement with art, film, and ideas.