Personalist

A 'personalist' is a person, especially a philosopher, theologian, or social theorist, who emphasizes the importance of the individual human person, their inherent dignity, and unique value. Personalists prioritize the subjective experience, consciousness, and relationships of individuals, often advocating for human rights, individual freedom, and a person-centered approach to ethical, social, and political issues. They reject collectivist ideologies that subordinate the individual to the group, emphasizing instead the inherent worth of each person as a unique and irreplaceable being. Personalism often explores concepts like self-determination, moral responsibility, and the capacity for love and relationships in shaping human existence.

Personalist meaning with examples

• The personalist philosopher argued that society should be structured to promote the flourishing of each individual, not merely the collective good. This philosophy championed individual rights, believing that the true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members.
• The theologian's personalist approach emphasized the importance of personal faith and relationship with a divine being, believing that a direct, unmediated connection with the sacred is essential to human fulfillment.
• Her personalist perspective on social justice focused on empowering individuals to take control of their own lives, stressing education, and providing opportunities for personal and community growth.
• The personalist school of thought greatly influenced the civil rights movement by stressing the inherent dignity and equality of all persons, regardless of race or background, with a keen interest in equality.
• A personalist political platform prioritized policies aimed at fostering individual responsibility and self-reliance, such as improved education, and access to economic opportunities, for maximum personal and societal growth.