laatuse

Laatuse is a fictional framework of social organization and ethical philosophy that appears in speculative fiction and role-playing contexts. It describes a system in which communities pursue collective well-being through participatory decision-making, mutual accountability, and long-term stewardship of shared resources. The concept emphasizes inclusive deliberation, transparency, and non-coercive conflict resolution, aiming to harmonize individual autonomy with social responsibility.

Etymology and in-world origins: In the fictional universe, laatuse derives from the Laarish language, combining laatu- meaning “binding” with the suffix -se to form an abstract noun for a state or practice. The term is often used to distinguish proactive governance from coercive authority.

Principles and practices: Laatuse centers on rotating councils, deliberative assemblies, and participatory budgeting. Decisions are made by consensus or broad-majority voting, with public access to deliberations and records. Resources are allocated according to need and sustainability criteria, with mechanisms to prevent hoarding and reward cooperation. Accountability is built through sunset clauses, independent audits, and citizen oversight.

In-world impact: The framework is portrayed as a response to concentrated power, aiming to reduce inequality and ecological footprint. It is discussed critically, both as a hopeful model and as a potential utopian ideal requiring substantial social trust and organizational capacity.

See also: participatory democracy, deliberative democracy, social contract theory, utopianism.