Rökstuddað

Rökstuddað is an Icelandic term that translates to "argument supported by reason" or "reasoned argument." It refers to a logical and coherent presentation of ideas, where claims are backed by evidence, facts, or sound reasoning. The concept emphasizes the importance of substantiating one's assertions rather than relying on mere opinion, emotion, or unsubstantiated beliefs.

In practice, a rökstuddað involves clearly articulating a position and then systematically explaining the rationale behind it. This might include providing data, citing sources, outlining causal relationships, or employing deductive or inductive reasoning. The aim is to persuade an audience through intellectual merit and demonstrable validity, fostering understanding and agreement based on shared principles of logic.

The term is frequently used in academic, philosophical, and even everyday discourse in Iceland when evaluating the quality of an argument or discussion. It encourages critical thinking and discourages fallacious reasoning. A well-executed rökstuddað is considered a strong foundation for debate and decision-making, as it promotes clarity, transparency, and a commitment to objective truth or demonstrable plausibility. Conversely, an argument lacking rökstuddað might be dismissed as weak, speculative, or unconvincing.