Reflektierenden

Reflektierenden is a German noun form derived from the present participle reflek­tierend. It denotes people who engage in reflection, thought, or thoughtful consideration. Grammatically, it is the plural form of the masculine noun der Reflektierende; feminine and neuter forms exist as die Reflektierende and das Reflektierende, with Reflektierenden serving as the standard plural. In everyday language the term can function as a label for a group characterized by reflective, introspective, or analytical thinking.

Usage and context

The term is not a fixed technical term in most fields. It is more commonly encountered in descriptive or literary contexts to describe individuals who take time to examine ideas, motives, or decisions. In sociological or psychological writing, researchers might use a similar idea by referring to participants who engage in self-reflection, although more precise terms such as Selbstreflexion or reflexive thinking are often preferred. The plural Reflektierenden can also appear in discussions contrasting reflective individuals with those who act more impulsively.

Relation to related terms

Reflektierenden relates to the verb reflek­tieren (to reflect) and to the adjective reflek­tierend (reflective). It is distinct from optical terms such as Reflektor or from the scientific concept of reflexivity (Reflexivität). The concept of reflection in philosophy is usually addressed with terms like Selbstreflexion or Reflexion rather than a direct use of Reflektierende.

See also

Reflexion or Reflexion (historical spelling), Reflexivität (reflexivity), Selbstreflexion, reflek­tierend.