Tilsikt

Tilsikt is a term that appears in some contemporary discussions across philosophy of action, linguistics, and human–computer interaction. It is generally treated as a neologism rather than an established concept, with varied usage across disciplines. The word is often described as derived from Scandinavian roots, combining a prefix meaning toward with a root referring to sight, aim, or view, though there is no single authoritative etymology.

Definition

In broad terms, tilsikt refers to the intentional orientation or objective that guides a process or action. It is distinguished from motive (the underlying reason for acting) and from outcome or consequence (the result of the action). Tilsikt focuses on the practical aim that an agent seeks to realize, rather than internal drives or external results.

Origin and usage

The term has appeared in discussions about action theory, design ethics, and the evaluation of automated systems. In design contexts, tilsikt may denote the designer’s intended user experience or the system’s stated goals, shaping decisions from interface design to feature prioritization. In philosophical analyses, tilsikt can be used to differentiate the aim behind an action from other contributing factors such as reasons or expectations.

Examples

A technology company might articulate its tilsikt as improving accessibility and inclusivity, guiding product development decisions accordingly. In analysis, one might distinguish between an agent’s tilsikt and the consequences of the agent’s actions when evaluating outcomes.

Criticism

Some scholars argue that tilsikt overlaps with existing terms like intention or objective, risking ambiguity. Proponents argue that it offers a focused vocabulary for discussing aim-directed aspects of actions and designs.

See also

Intention, purpose, goal, motivation, plan, intentionality.

Notes

Tilsikt is relatively new and contested; definitions and scope vary across disciplines, and it is not yet widely established in standard dictionaries.