Abstract
DEFINITION OF THE TERM: The term person is linked to the terms individual and individuality. Due to the unique features that are ascribed to a person, including his inalienable dignity, it is almost impossible to define this term precisely and that is why it is treated as a primitive notion.
HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE TERM: It is necessary to begin the historical analysis of the terms ‘person’ and ‘individual’ with the contemporary intellectual and practical challenges because they justify the view that the history of these concepts is a significant research area. In this article, the notions of a person and an individual are analysed, with particular emphasis on Polish ethical thought and the ethical thought that is grounded in Christianity, (a choice that is dictated by the subject matter rather than any particular worldview).
DISCUSSION OF THE TERM: As the term ‘person’ seems impossible to define and refers to an individual’s experience of “being a person”, the understanding of this term will always be problematic. On the grounds of ethics, it is necessary to return continuously to its understanding in connection with dynamically changing values in order to avoid trivialisation of the understanding of the person and the individual.
SYSTEMATIC REFLECTION WITH CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: At the same time, systematic reflection must also problematise apparent certainty regarding the meaning of “frozen” concepts. Analysis of the concepts of the person and the individual also reveals their practical and pedagogical dimension, with a constant call to learn to “be a person” in accordance with personal dignity (especially when personalistic paidea is confronted with various forms of collectivism).