What is the difference between a person and an individual? The concepts of "man", "individuality"

There are a lot of words that are similar to each other, but have different meanings. Many beginning psychologists and people who love this science are interested in the definition of terms that are similar to the concept of "man": an individual, a personality, an individuality. Are these 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 in these concepts. To fully understand the differences, you must first know who is a person. By definition, which can be recalled from the times of school, man is a being that stands at the highest stage of evolution, a subject of historical and social activity and communication. The concept is used when we mean the general, available in 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 of the biological essence of man, we have in mind its nature, which finds expression in anatomy and physiology. Social characteristics of a person - his place in public life, communication with society, his mind, responsibility, ability to work.

Individual

So, what is the difference between a person and an individual? The individual is an individual, original representative of the whole human race, in other words - a concrete person. From Latin it is translated as "indivisible, whole". His characteristics: mental and physical integrity, stability in relation to the surrounding world, activity.

Distinguish the following needs of the individual (needs that induce a person to take certain actions):

1. Natural. Needs that are needed to preserve and sustain life. This is food, drink, sleep, the need for shelter, clothing and relationships with the being of the opposite sex.
2. 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 (the desire to watch movies, listen to music, go to the theater).
3. Social. A subspecies of spiritual needs. It is carried out in readiness to communicate with other people, to have a 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 a person and an individual: the first is the social essence of the second. Initially, the word "personality" was used to refer to masks worn by the ancient Greek actors during the performance. It was interpreted as an external image that a person uses during the performance of his role. So now: personality - a reflection of the social belonging of the individual.

The social status of a person is a 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 (passenger bus, customer, student). This is characterized by the following difference between the individual and the individual: the individual is born, and the individual becomes throughout life.

Individuality

There is one more concept that is easily confused with others. Individuality is a property that distinguishes every single person. Is manifested in communication, behavior, professional and social activities. This is the totality of those qualities of the individual, the properties of the individual, with which man is endowed. This is a unique, special person with an original set of mental, social and physiological characteristics.

According to the Russian psychologist and educator V. I. Slobodchikov, individuality is a separate, original world that develops without the intervention of other people. Thanks to her, a man manifests himself in all spheres of life, becomes a participant in historical and civil events, embodies the characteristics of the whole human race.

It's amazing how multifaceted can be the usual, at first glance, concept of "man." The individual, personality, personality - similar, but different words, which should be distinguished if you decide to professionally engage in psychology.