róttækur

Róttækur is an Icelandic word that translates to "radical" in English. It describes someone or something that advocates for fundamental or extreme change. In a political context, a róttækur individual or group typically seeks to alter the existing social, economic, or political structures through significant and often rapid means. This can range from advocating for drastic policy shifts to demanding complete societal restructuring.

The term can be applied to various ideologies, not inherently aligning with any single political spectrum. A róttækur stance can be found on the left, advocating for revolutionary social change, or on the right, pushing for a return to perceived fundamental values or a complete overhaul of the current system. The core idea is a departure from the mainstream or moderate approaches, focusing on root causes and aiming for thorough transformation.

Beyond politics, "róttækur" can also describe approaches in other fields, such as art, science, or philosophy, where a departure from established norms and a pursuit of novel or unconventional ideas are central. It implies a willingness to challenge established doctrines and explore new possibilities, often with a strong conviction in the necessity of such a radical departure. The interpretation of whether a stance is "róttækur" can be subjective and depend on the prevailing societal norms and the observer's own perspective.