Problematikai

Problematikai is a Lithuanian term used in scholarly writing to describe the set of problems, questions, and tensions that characterize a particular field, topic, or issue. It refers to the problematics of a subject—the collective questions and challenges that researchers identify as meaningful, ambiguous, or in need of examination. The term functions as a meta-level descriptor that helps determine what counts as relevant inquiry, evidence, and method within a discipline.

Etymologically, problematika stems from the word problemos (problem) with a suffix that denotes a field or domain. In academic contexts, problematika appears in literature reviews, research proposals, and theoretical discussions to map the scope of inquiry and situate a study within broader debates. The plural form, problematikai, may be used when enumerating multiple problematics across subfields or themes.

Usage and purpose in research include outlining the scope of inquiry, identifying gaps in knowledge, guiding methodological choices, and framing interpretation. For example, in social sciences, the problematika of a study might encompass issues such as inequality, governance, and civic participation; in literary studies, it could involve questions of representation, genre boundaries, and historical context.

Relation to other concepts: problematika is broader than a single problem (problema) and broader yet than a topic (tema). It denotes a constellation of interrelated issues that collectively define a research agenda. The term is context-dependent and may be translated differently depending on discipline and language.