categoriskt

Categoriskt is a term used to describe statements, judgments, or positions that are categorical in nature: unconditional, absolute, and without stated exceptions or qualifiers. In logic and philosophy the term has a technical sense, while in everyday speech it can emphasize firmness or an assertion that something is universally true or necessary.

In logic and philosophy, categorical refers to propositions and inferences that apply without reference to conditions. A categorical proposition asserts something about all or some members of a class (for example, All S are P; No S are P; Some S are P; Some S are not P). A categorical syllogism combines such propositions to derive a conclusion. In ethics, Kant’s categorical imperative expresses a moral law that must be followed universally, independent of personal goals or circumstances. In general discourse, statements framed categorically often carry a normative force and may appear dogmatic if not carefully qualified.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from Latin categoricus, meaning “of a category,” from Greek origins related to the idea of classification. It entered English and many other languages through scholarly use in logic and philosophy. In Swedish, the closely related forms are kategorisk (adjective) and categoriskt (adverb); some writers may also encounter the loan form categoriskt. The word is typically used in formal or analytic contexts, and less so in casual conversation.

See also: categorical proposition, categorical imperative, category theory.