willkürlicher

Willkürlich is a German adjective that translates to arbitrary, random, or capricious in English. It describes something that is not based on reason, system, or necessity, but rather on personal whim or chance. The term can be used in various contexts, from philosophical discussions to everyday language.

In philosophy, the concept of willkürlicher Handlungen (arbitrary actions) is often contrasted with actions that are determined by rational deliberation or external forces. A willkürlich action is one that could have been otherwise, and its choice is not necessarily predictable or justifiable by objective criteria. This can relate to discussions of free will and determinism, where the degree of willkürlichkeit in human behavior is a central question.

In a more common usage, willkürlich can describe something that appears to have been chosen without a clear purpose or logic. For instance, a willkürlich selection of items might mean picking things at random without any specific criteria. Similarly, a willkürlich decision could be one made on impulse rather than careful consideration. The word often carries a connotation of lacking a sound basis or justification, though it does not inherently imply malice. It simply points to a lack of predetermined order or rational constraint in the execution or selection of something.