Philosophers and scientists have often debated whether intelligence, personality and creativity are gifts we are born with,r skills that we learn. This essay evaluates some of the theories regarding personality. .
Personality, in this context, is very specific. It is different to traits, which are habits and can be acquired over time. It is distinct from intelligence, which is the speed and accuracy in coming to correct conclusion. It is not morality, which is related to values and beliefs, and which can be a choice. And, finally, it is different to learning which is acquired through schools, parenting and peers. A personality, in everyday life, is defined as being how people behave consistently across time and across situations. That which creates a persons characteristic patterns of behaviour, thoughts and feelings. .
The relevance of understanding personality is that it provides a basis for understanding people. This is beneficial for the purpose of teaching, for appreciating people as unique individuals, and for gathering information to make decisions, such as those regarding genetic engineering, .
This essay will often refer to children. The reason being that after the age of 5, intelligence has developed to the extent that conscious decisions about how to act can be made. IQ test results remain almost the same between the ages six to forty and after 5 or 6, people start tailoring their actions. For this reason attention will be given to the development of the personality of the child.
Some of the areas where personality is measured are sensitivity, social boldness, apprehension and dominance. But there are difficulties, most notably that of research and measurement. The most effective way is, arguably, to evaluate twins. However, separated twins are normally placed in families of a similar background, and the value of the data offered is limited. Placing one sibling in a more disadvantaged home has the obvious drawback of being socially unacceptable.
