indifference
Indifference (also indifference ) describes a trait of the human being who accepts facts and events without evaluating them, being interested in forming a moral judgment about them or taking action to change them.
Indifference as an essential feature
An indifferent person has no or denies his or her own opinion, does not form a judgment, does not evaluate anything, and does not take any action to change obviously unjust or unethical conditions. He shows neither positive nor negative feelings about certain things or occurrences. His thinking is to a certain extent egocentric, but not out of malice, but out of disinterest and a certain numbness. To put it simply, one can say: The indifferent person only notices a little and only notices what is of direct interest and personal concern to him. Everything else passes him by.
Usually indifference is seen as a rather negative human trait (see also: apathy ). For example, different religions demand active charity and willingness to help. In professional life, qualities such as group work, commitment and attention are required. Indifference is more harmful because it prevents the individual from actively helping to shape and collaborate.
Often indifference is confused with equanimity or serenity . While the indifferent simply does not perceive and feel, the indifferent and serene can very well, but do not identify with their thoughts or emotions to the same extent. This is more about letting go, not ignoring.
Pathological indifference
Extreme indifference and indifference occurs in some mental illnesses , such as autism and some forms of schizophrenia . In people with cognitive disabilities , in abused children and in people with psychological hospitalism ( deprivation ), illness-related indifference can arise if the body is not capable of further mental exertion. Sometimes one speaks of apathy .
Original meaning
The actual composition of the word from equal and valid used to give a completely different, rather contrary sense: something has the same validity . It is valid like the other.
The expression therefore included a valuation in the sense that something is equally valid as something else . In other words, we judge one thing to be just as valid as the other . This showed a respect for the validity of the other. So if z. For example, if someone else's reasons seem indifferent, we thereby acknowledge that the other person also has valid reasons.
