Tulotasostaan

Tulotasostaan is a term that has appeared in Finnish-language discussions of political rhetoric and media criticism. It describes a rhetorical stance in which a speaker or writer anchors their argument in their own status, circumstances, or perceived self-interest rather than in universal principles or the public good. Because it is a relatively recent and niche coinage, there is no universally accepted definition or formal usage in major dictionaries.

Origin and form: The expression appears to be a recently coined Finnish compound, with no widely cited etymology. It is used primarily in academic and media commentary about discourse, rather than as a common everyday term. Its precise meaning can vary by context, but its core idea is that personal position drives argumentation more than objective considerations.

Usage and interpretation: In analyses, tulotasostaan is used to flag arguments as potentially biased by the speaker's own situation. It may be contrasted with appeals to empirical evidence, public interest, or universal values. Critics may view it as a reminder to assess claims for self-serving influence.

See also: self-interest, rhetorical analysis, discourse analysis, bias.