Refleksjonen

Refleksjonen is a Norwegian term meaning “the reflection.” It is used to describe a range of ideas, from physical phenomena to cognitive processes, and it also appears as a common title or motif in Norwegian-language media and literature. The definite article form signals a specific instance, such as a particular work, but the word is also used more generally to denote reflection as a concept.

Etymology and usage: Refleksjonen derives from Latin reflexio, through Norwegian and other Germanic languages. It is cognate with the English word “reflection” and shares its broad sense of turning back or considering something from a different perspective. In everyday language, refleksjon can mean both the act of reflecting (thinking deeply) and the physical act of reflection (bouncing back light, sound, or other waves).

In physics, refleksjon refers to the change in direction of a wave or ray when it encounters a boundary between media. For light, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, with the normal to the boundary defining the plane of reflection. The concept also applies to sound and other wave phenomena, governed by similar laws.

In philosophy and psychology, refleksjon denotes self-reflection—the deliberate examination of one’s beliefs, values, motives, and experiences. This form of reflection supports critical thinking, learning, moral judgment, and personal development.

In culture, Refleksjonen has been used as a title or motif in Norwegian literature, film, and music, often to evoke introspection, mirroring, or reconsideration of past events. The term thus bridges scientific, intellectual, and artistic contexts, underscoring the idea of turning attention inward or outward. See also refleksjon for linguistic usage.