Varelselik

Varelselik is a Norwegian term used to describe something that has the qualities of a being, as opposed to a mere object or phenomenon. The word comes from varelse, meaning being or existence, combined with the suffix -lik, meaning like or resembling. In scholarly contexts, varelselike properties are invoked when discussing what it means for an entity to count as a being, including aspects such as agency, perception, or intentionality. The term is mainly found in philosophical or theological discussions and is not common in everyday language.

In ontology and philosophy of mind, varelselik is used to distinguish beings from non-beings or inanimate phenomena. It is often contrasted with terms that emphasize material composition or functional role, focusing instead on the status of an entity as a subject or agent rather than a passive object. The concept can be applied broadly, from living organisms to artificial agents, depending on the author’s criteria for what constitutes a being.

In contemporary debates, especially around artificial intelligence, robotics, and technology ethics, the question of varelselik arises when considering whether certain systems exhibit sufficient life-like or conscious characteristics to be regarded as beings. Some scholars advocate a narrow interpretation, reserving varelselik for entities with minimal forms of subjectivity, while others use it more broadly to describe any autonomous or life-like agent.

See also ontology, animacy, agency, and personhood.