Concepts and Individuality

When beginning the discussion of concepts, I was confident that I had a good understanding of what a concept is and how it is formed. Now that I have heard several ideas of the word 'concept', I agree with the main definition that a concept is a set of thoughts and ideas that provokes action or more ideas. Without concepts, there would be no action or working towards a goal or accomplishment. People would just do things to do them. They would have nothing to work towards.

When moving into the discussion of what makes a concept valid, I think back to the controversial question of the chicken and the egg. Just because it has not been proven, does not mean that this is not a valid concept. The idea of a concept is still there, with or without validity on the subject at hand. The concept is just severely lacking evidence but may still have support on both sides. The ideas are still making people work towards figuring something out

I think I concept just has to be an idea leading to other ideas that is strongly supported by someone. I see a concept as a building block to more ideas and bigger concepts. No matter how small, a thought leading to get something done can be considered a concept. For example, when I decided that I would get ahead in my classes for this semester as much as possible, that was a concept for me. It was a new set of ideas that would help me work towards my goals of having a more balanced life. Just because I did not come up with a major phenomenon that scientists will study for years, I still came up with beneficial ideas that cause action to happen.
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The word I chose in class, individuality, is a concept that can be used in many different ways. Individuality defines who a person is. It is essential to know who you are because no one else is ever given that opportunity. Each person is incredibly different from the next. Just in the CP III class alone, I am surrounded by interesting people who have made different life choices for themselves. Each experience can be a lesson. For example, once I went to Europe and learned the history of the country, I was able to come back home and relate to things more. I found my lectures in high school history classes more appealing, had something to discuss with foreign exchange students, and was able to better appreciate other cultures.

In community, individuality is necessary for growing. When everyone is aware of their strengths, it is easy to see who makes a good leader and who is better off with a backseat role. Relationships will build when the understanding between people is formed. By being self-aware, it is easier to find where people fit within a community and who works well with whom. If one person is constantly living through other people's wishes and desires, they never truly find success within themselves and in turn are not as able to help a community.

John McKnight's idea of focusing on gifts can fit in with the concept of individuality. It is important to explore yourself as a person to find what your strengths and weaknesses are. Once found, emphasis should be placed on the things are you good at doing and they should be shared with others. A community based on the focus of gifts can be very strong, however, it is crucial for everyone to have the same thoughts. This focus is to help the group, not to harm it.