väittelutilaisuus

Väittelutilaisuus, often translated as a disputation or defense, is a formal academic event where a doctoral candidate presents and defends their dissertation. This process is a crucial part of obtaining a doctoral degree in many European academic traditions, including those in Finland and Sweden. The candidate's dissertation, a substantial scholarly work, is typically scrutinized by a panel of experts.

The primary purpose of a väittelutilaisuus is to assess the candidate's mastery of their research field, the originality and quality of their dissertation, and their ability to engage in rigorous academic debate. During the event, the candidate outlines their research and findings. Following this presentation, the opponent(s), who are established scholars in the field, pose critical questions and challenge the candidate's arguments and conclusions. The candidate is expected to respond thoughtfully and defend their work with evidence and logical reasoning.

The audience at a väittelutilaisuus often includes fellow academics, students, friends, and family. While the core of the event is the formal examination, it is also a celebratory occasion recognizing years of dedicated research. The outcome of the defense, determined by the examination committee, is typically a pass or fail, with varying degrees of commendation possible. Successfully completing a väittelutilaisuus signifies that the candidate has met the high standards of doctoral scholarship.