Motsetningen

Motsetningen is a Norwegian noun meaning "the contradiction" or "the antithesis." It denotes a relationship between two statements, positions, or concepts that are mutually incompatible or opposed. The term is used across philosophy, rhetoric, and literary analysis to describe tensions within a system or discourse, or the opposing forces at work in a text or argument.

Etymology and form: Motsetningen is formed from mot meaning "against" and setning meaning "sentence" or "statement." The definite form motsetningen indicates a specific contradiction under discussion, as opposed to the general concept motsetning.

Usage and examples: In philosophy and logic, motsetningen describes internal inconsistencies, conflicting premises, or paradoxes within a theory. In rhetoric, it corresponds to the figure of speech antithesis that juxtaposes opposing ideas. In literary and cultural analysis, writers may explore motsetninger such as freedom versus security, tradition versus change, or individual rights versus collective welfare.

Context: In Norwegian discourse, the term is used to analyze conflicts in politics, society, and culture, highlighting how opposing values shape debate and interpretation.

See also: motsetning, antitese, paradox.