partikulær

Partikulær is a term used in Norwegian, Danish and Swedish to denote something that is specific, individual, or concrete, as opposed to general or universal. It derives from the Latin particulus, meaning a small part, and has entered Scandinavian languages through historical scholarly usage. In everyday language it appears in phrases such as partikulær løsning (particular solution) or et partikulært eksempel (a particular example).

In philosophy, partikulære entiteter are concrete individuals, as opposed to universals such as properties or types. The distinction between particulars and universals has been central in the problem of universals, a debate about whether general terms correspond to real, independent entities or are merely constructs of thought. Historical schools—realism, nominalism, and conceptualism—offered different answers about the status of universals relative to particulars.

In mathematics and science, partikulær is used to describe a solution or case that satisfies given conditions, in contrast to a general form. For example, a_partikulær løsning_ of a differential equation is a specific solution that meets initial or boundary conditions, such as solving y' = y with y(0) = 2 to obtain y = 2e^x. The term also appears in discussions of specific instances within broader theories.

The word can also appear in political or legal contexts to denote local or particular interests, as opposed to universal or overarching principles. Overall, partikulær conveys specificity, concreteness, and individuality across disciplines.