There are a large number of words similar to each other, but with different meanings. Many novice psychologists and people who love this science are interested in the definition of terms that are similar to the concept of “man”: individual, personality, individuality. Is it the same or are there significant differences? This will be discussed in the article.
Human
It is important for any psychologist to understand what is the difference between a person and an individual, to know their definitions, to be able to navigate these concepts. To fully understand the differences, you must first find out who such a person is. By definition, which can be remembered from the time of school, a person is a creature that stands at the highest level of evolution, a subject of historical and social activity and communication. The concept is used when they mean common, available to all qualities and abilities.
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 about the biological essence of man, we mean his nature, which finds manifestation in anatomy and physiology. The social characteristic of a person is his place in public life, his connection with society, his mind, responsibility, and 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. From Latin it is translated as "indivisible, integral." Its characteristics: mental and physical integrity, stability in relation to the world, activity.
The following individual needs are distinguished (needs that prompt a person to certain actions):
- Natural. Needs that are needed to save and maintain life. This is food, drink, sleep, the need for housing, clothing and relationships with a creature of the opposite sex.
- Cultural. Occur throughout life. As you know, a person depends on society, he needs communication and activities within him. They can be material (household items, tools, modern technology) and spiritual (desire to watch movies, listen to music, go to the theater).
- Social. A subspecies of spiritual needs. It is carried out in readiness to communicate with other people, to have status in society, the desire to be a member of a particular social group.
Personality
A person learns, develops, acquires certain skills and qualities. This is the main difference between the individual and the individual: the first is the social essence of the second. Initially, the word “personality” was used to mean 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: a personality is a reflection of the social belonging of an individual.
The social status of an individual is a niche occupied by a person, his social position. Depends on age, gender, marital status, as well as 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 the individual and the individual - the individual is born a person, and becomes a personality throughout life.
Individuality
There is another concept that is easy to confuse with others. Individuality is a property that distinguishes each individual person. It manifests itself in communication, behavior, professional and social activities. This is a combination of those personality traits, 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 it, 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 is amazing how multifaceted can be the usual, at first glance, the concept of "man." The individual, personality, individuality are similar but different words that should be distinguished if you decide to engage in professional psychology.