Willekeur

Willekeur is a Dutch noun meaning arbitrary choice, caprice, or discretionary decision made without consistent criteria or justification. It describes actions or decisions that depend on whims rather than objective standards.

Etymology and usage: The word combines wille (will) with keur (choice, selection). Historically it has been used in legal and administrative language to label judgments or measures carried out without a rational basis or respect for established rules.

Legal and governance context: In law and politics, willekeur denotes arbitrary power or decisions lacking procedural fairness, adequate motivation, or proportionality. It is generally regarded as incompatible with the rule of law, and many systems require decisions to be reasoned, justified, and subject to review.

Philosophical and everyday use: Beyond law, the term appears in ethics and philosophy to describe acts performed without sufficient reasons or obligations. In ordinary language, it often characterizes behavior that is capricious or inconsistent.

Relation to other concepts: Willekeur is commonly translated as arbitrariness or caprice. It is discussed in relation to concepts such as vrij wil (free will), redelijkheid en billijkheid (reasonableness and fairness), and the accountability of authorities to justify their choices.