kriittiikki

Kriittiikki is a neologism used in Finnish-language discourse to denote a structured approach to critical analysis of media, culture, and public discourse. It emphasizes rigorous argumentation, evaluation of sources, and attention to social impact. The exact definition varies, but it generally refers to a discipline or practice aimed at producing transparent and evidence-based critique of artifacts and arguments encountered in online and offline contexts.

Origin and usage: The term appears in the early 2020s within Finnish academic and media-literacy communities. It is commonly treated as a portmanteau built from kriittinen (critical) and a suffix that signals a field or practice, though there is no single canonical etymology. As a nascent concept, its boundaries and standards are still debated among scholars and practitioners.

Core concepts and methods: Core practices include deconstructing claims into supporting evidence, assessing credibility, identifying biases and logical fallacies, and situating analysis within relevant historical and sociopolitical contexts. Proponents emphasize documenting methodology so analyses can be reviewed or replicated, and they advocate transparent reasoning as a safeguard against misinformation and rhetorical manipulation.

Applications and reception: Kriittiikki is discussed in educational settings, journalism, and online platforms that promote reasoned debate and media literacy. Supporters view it as a tool to raise the quality of public discourse, while critics warn that the term risks vagueness or ideological bias if not clearly operationalized.

See also: critical thinking, media literacy, discourse analysis, argumentation theory.