SACHLICHKEIT Meaning and
Definition
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Sachlichkeit is a German term that can be loosely translated as "objectivity" or "factualness" in the English language. It refers to the quality or state of being objective, rational, and based on facts rather than emotions or personal biases. Sachlichkeit is often prized as a characteristic in German culture, particularly in the realms of art, design, and intellectual discourse.
In the context of art and design, sachlichkeit refers to a style or approach that aims to depict objects or subjects with a high degree of accuracy, precision, and detachment. It emphasizes clarity of form, simplicity, and functionality, with an emphasis on essential elements and a reduction of extraneous details. Sachlichkeit in art can be seen as a rejection of romanticism and sentimentality, favoring instead a more rational and analytical approach.
In intellectual and scholarly contexts, sachlichkeit embodies the idea of approaching a subject matter in a systematic and objective manner. It emphasizes logical reasoning, empirical evidence, and critical thinking, while avoiding subjective judgments and subjective opinions. Sachlichkeit encourages a focus on facts and evidence, promoting a more rigorous and scientific approach to understanding and interpreting the world.
Overall, sachlichkeit encompasses the principles of objectivity, factuality, and rationality, urging individuals to prioritize evidence-based thinking over personal biases or emotional inclinations.
Etymology of SACHLICHKEIT
The word "Sachlichkeit" comes from the German language. It is derived from the word "Sache", which means "thing" or "matter", and the suffix "-lichkeit", which is used to form abstract nouns from adjectives.
The term was primarily used in the early 20th century, particularly in German art and literature, to describe a movement known as "Neue Sachlichkeit" or "New Objectivity". This artistic style emerged after World War I as a reaction against the exaggerated emotions of expressionism and aimed for a more objective and realistic representation of the world. The term "Sachlichkeit" was used to convey the idea of portraying objects, people, and situations in a matter-of-fact or objective manner, focusing on the concrete realities rather than idealized or subjective interpretations.
