There are a large number of words that are similar to each other, but have different meanings. Many novice psychologists and people who love this science are interested in defining terms that are similar to the concept of “person”: individual, personality, individuality. Is it the same or are there significant differences? This will be discussed in the article.
Man
It is important for any psychologist to understand what is the difference between a personality and an individual, to know their definitions, to be able to navigate in these concepts. To fully understand the differences, you must first know who a person is. According to the definition that can be remembered from the time of school, a person is a creature that stands at the highest stage of evolution, the subject of historical and social activity and communication. The concept is used when they mean the general qualities and abilities that everyone has.
Man is a biological and social being. Anthropogenesis is the science of its origin, which studies the process of its appearance and further development. Speaking of the biological essence of man, they mean his nature, which is manifested in anatomy and physiology. Soci althe characteristic of a person is his place in public life, connection with society, his mind, responsibility, ability to work.
Individual
So, what is the difference between a person and an individual? An individual is a single, original representative of the entire human race, in other words, a specific person. Translated from Latin as "indivisible, whole." Its characteristics: mental and physical integrity, stability in relation to the outside world, activity.
The following individual needs are distinguished (needs that motivate a person to take certain actions):
- Natural. Needs that are necessary for the preservation and maintenance of life. These are food, drink, sleep, the need for housing, clothing and relationships with a being of the opposite sex.
- Cultural. Occur throughout life. As you know, a person depends on society, he needs communication and activity within it. They can be material (household items, tools, modern technology) and spiritual (desires to watch movies, listen to music, go to the theater).
- Social. A subspecies of spiritual needs. It is carried out in the willingness to communicate with other people, to have a status in society, the desire to be a member of a certain social group.
Personality
A person learns, develops, acquires certain skills and qualities. This is the main difference between a person and an individual: the first is a social essencesecond. Initially, the word "personality" was used to refer to the masks worn by ancient Greek actors during the performance. It was interpreted as an external image that a person uses during the performance of his role. So it is now: personality is a reflection of the social belonging of the individual.
The social status of a person is the niche occupied by a person, his social position. Depends on age, gender, marital status, and profession. One person can have several statuses. They are permanent (woman, daughter, wife, mother) and temporary (bus passenger, customer, student). This characterizes the following difference between a person and an individual - a person is born an individual, and becomes a person throughout life.
Personality
There is another concept that is easily confused with others. Individuality is a property that distinguishes each individual person. It manifests itself in communication, behavior, professional and social activities. This is a set of those qualities of a personality, the properties of an individual with which a person is endowed. This is a unique, special person with an original set of mental, social and physiological characteristics.
According to the Russian psychologist and teacher V. I. Slobodchikov, individuality is a separate original world that develops without the intervention of other people. Thanks to her, a person manifests himself in all spheres of life, becomes a participant in historical and civil events, embodies the characteristics of the entire human race.
It's amazing how multifaceted the seemingly ordinary concept of "man" can be. Individual, personality, individuality are similar but different words that should be distinguished if you decide to become a professional psychologist.
