Tiede

Tiede is the Finnish word for science, referring to the systematic study of the natural world and society, as well as the body of knowledge produced by such inquiry. In Finnish usage, tiede denotes both the process of research and the results it yields, encompassing inquiry, methods, theories, and findings.

The concept has a broad scope. In practice, tiede includes natural sciences (luonnontieteet), social sciences (yhteiskuntatieteet), and other disciplines that apply empirical methods and theoretical reasoning to understand phenomena. It is commonly contrasted with taide (art) in discussions about culture, education, and public life, though both are recognized as important domains of knowledge.

In education, tiede is a central component of the curriculum at schools and universities, with science subjects taught across levels and research activities organized around scientific inquiry. In media and public discourse, tiede appears in reports on new discoveries, debates about research funding, and science communication aimed at informing citizens. Museums, science centers, and research institutions use the term to describe their work and programs, reinforcing the role of science in public life.

Etymology and usage notes: The word tiede is historically linked to concepts of knowledge and knowing, and it shares linguistic connections with related Finnish terms such as tieto, meaning information or knowledge. While tiede primarily functions as a common noun, its usage in discourse consistently signals a commitment to evidence-based understanding and systematic inquiry.