denknoodzakelijkheden

12:49 Jun 29, 2011
Dutch to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Philosophy / Freud
Dutch term or phrase: denknoodzakelijkheden
This word in a translation about Freud's theories on hysteria is in the following sentence:
"Ook de filosoof wil immers – althans in het beeld dat Freud van hem of haar ophangt - middels onbetwistbare denknoodzakelijkheden de totaliteit van alles wat is voor eens en voorgoed doorgronden."

It is an academic text and was written in Dutch by a Belgian author. There are a few references on the Internet - all of them appear to be on philosophy-related sites and publications. At the moment I'm considering translating the term as "irrefutable universal truths" although I don't quite think that is accurate. Please help.
joeykok
Local time: 08:29


Summary of answers provided
4irrefutable Ideas/Forms
Kirsten Bodart
4necessary truth(s) / necessary condition(s)
Michael Beijer
4necessary thoughts
solejnicz


Discussion entries: 6





  

Answers


48 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
irrefutable Ideas/Forms


Explanation:
Not totally sure, but as I understand it 'denknoodzakelijkheden' is used in connection with Plato's theory of forms or ideas as the absolute truths beyond the world we see. As Form in this sense is often capitalised, I woudl say that Idea should also be. I think 'irrefutable' is a good choice or maybe 'undiscussable', but 'onbetwistbaar' both has the meaning of 'absolute' in Dutch and of not being able to discuss because it is a general truth. So 'irrefutable' does fit that description.


    Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_Forms
Kirsten Bodart
United Kingdom
Local time: 08:29
Native speaker of: Native in DutchDutch, Native in EnglishEnglish

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  Michael Beijer: I would stay away from Plato's Forms w/out more context
1 hr
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13 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
denknoodzakelijkheid; denknoodzakelijkheden
necessary truth(s) / necessary condition(s)


Explanation:
I think this fits the bill.

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Note added at 2 hrs (2011-06-29 15:32:21 GMT)
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In this particular context it would seem that we are talking about "necessary truths", rather than "necessary conditions". But without more context we are only really shooting in the dark.

Michael Beijer
United Kingdom
Local time: 07:29
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
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4 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
necessary thoughts


Explanation:
I think this fits exactly what has been meant (thoughts = gedachten). However, it may also be justified to speak of some kind of "truth" in this context.

Example sentence(s):
  • The idea that the necessary thoughts are those that come unbidden by the patient

    Reference: http://books.google.nl/books?id=0bExPUOFmHEC&pg=PA264&lpg=PA...
solejnicz
Netherlands
Local time: 08:29
Native speaker of: Native in FrenchFrench, Native in DutchDutch
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