rationellt

Rationellt is the Swedish adverb form of the adjective rational. It describes actions, explanations, or judgments based on reason, logic, and evidence rather than emotion or whim. In everyday language, phrases like “Det är rationellt att spara pengar” illustrate a judgment of rationality. In technical contexts, rationellt can describe methods designed to maximize efficiency or coherence under given constraints.

In mathematics, the term rationell (rational) is used for numbers that can be written as a quotient of two integers, with a nonzero denominator; examples include 1/2 and −3/4. The set of rational numbers is denoted by Q. Rational numbers contrast with irrational numbers, which cannot be expressed as a ratio of integers. A rational function is a ratio of two polynomials, such as (x^2+1)/(x−3), defined wherever the denominator is nonzero.

In philosophy and economics, rationality refers to reasoning or choice that aims to maximize utility given preferences and information. The concept underpins rational choice theory, while bounded rationality acknowledges limits in information and cognitive capacity, leading to satisficing or simplified decision rules.

Etymology: the word derives from Latin ratio, meaning reason or calculation, via French rationnel and Swedish rational. The adverbial form rationellt is used to describe how something is done in a rational manner.