Tahtlikkus

Tahtlikkus is an Estonian term that denotes the quality or state of being intentional or deliberate. It refers to actions or decisions that arise from a person’s will, aim, or planned purpose, rather than from chance, habit, or reaction. The word is formed from the base tahe, meaning to want or desire, plus the suffix -likkus, which signals a state or quality.

In philosophy and psychology, tahtlikkus is used to discuss intentional action, volition, and motivation. It helps distinguish actions that are consciously aimed at a goal from those that occur automatically or without conscious aim. In ethics and law, the concept is related to the idea of an intentional act (tahtlik tegu) and is contrasted with outcomes caused by accident or negligence, often carrying different moral or legal implications.

In everyday Estonian, tahtlikkus also conveys a person’s determination or resolve. It can describe a sustained commitment to a course of action, the strength of a person’s will, or the deliberate prioritization of one goal over others. This broader sense reflects how people speak about agency and responsibility in ordinary life, not only in theoretical discussions.

Overall, tahtlikkus covers both the philosophical notion of intentional action and the more practical sense of deliberate will. It intersects with questions of free will, agency, accountability, and self-control, while also remaining a useful everyday descriptor of purposeful behavior and determination.