Redlighet

Redlighet is a Swedish term referring to a moral and ethical quality of being honest, trustworthy, and fair. It encompasses truthfulness, integrity, transparency, and compliance with laws and norms. It is distinct from mere honesty in everyday speech: redlighet implies a consistent moral character and responsibility in actions.

Etymology-wise, redlighet derives from the adjective redlig, meaning proper, honest, and upright, and is cognate with Danish redelighed and Norwegian redelighet. In Sweden, the concept is used in ethical discussions, public discourse about governance and accountability, and in cultural ideas about virtuous conduct.

In practice, redlighet appears in discussions of trust in institutions, ethical leadership, and the responsible handling of resources. It is often invoked in debates about corruption, transparency, and accountability, as well as in considerations of personal and professional duty. In both secular and religious contexts, redlighet is linked to the broader idea of living according to moral norms and fulfilling one’s obligations.

Related concepts include ärlighet (honesty), hederlighet (honorability), and integritet (integrity). While closely connected to these terms, redlighet often emphasizes consistent moral character and reliability in actions rather than singular acts of truth-telling, making it a broader virtue in ethical and social evaluations.