pääperiaate

Pääperiaate is a Finnish term meaning “the main principle” or “the overarching principle.” It denotes the central rule or standard that should guide actions, decisions, and interpretations within a system, organization, or field. The concept is used to summarize the core idea that informs how policies are formulated and applied, and it often serves as a reference point amid more detailed rules.

Etymology and usage: The word combines pää (head, main) and periaate (principle). In Finnish, pääperiaate is typically used in the singular to indicate the single overarching guideline within a framework. It may be contrasted with apuperiaatteet (auxiliary principles) or with specific statutory rules, and its precise content is defined by the context, policy document, or normative framework in question. The form can appear in various grammatical cases, as dictated by sentence structure.

Contexts: The term is common in public administration and law, where it denotes the principal criterion guiding decision-making or interpretation. It is also used in education, corporate governance, ethics, journalism, and policy discussions to express the central guiding idea—such as fairness, transparency, safety, or efficiency—depending on the field. Because the content of a pääperiaate varies by context, it is usually stated explicitly in relevant texts or constitutional principles.

See also: periaate; Finnish terms related to policy and law.