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As commonly used, individual refers to a person or to any specific object in a collection. In the 15th century and earlier, and also today within the fields of statistics and metaphysics, individual means "indivisible", typically describing any numerically singular thing, but sometimes meaning "a person." (q.v. "The problem of proper names"). From the seventeenth century on, individual indicates separateness, as in individualism.^[1] Individuality is the state or quality of being an individual; a person separate from other persons and possessing his or her own needs, goals, and desires.

In his statement Cogito ergo sum ("I think therefore I am"), Rene Descartes posits the notion the individual subject, distinct from the world around him or her. This is the most famous articulation of subject-object dualism (see subject-object problem) in the Western philosophical tradition.

Early empiricists such as Ibn Tufail^[2] and John Locke introduced the idea of the individual as a tabula rasa ("blank slate"), shaped from birth by experience and education. This ties into the idea of the liberty and rights of the individual, society as a social contract between rational individuals, and the beginnings of individualism as a doctrine.

With the rise of existentialism, Kierkegaard rejected Hegel's notion of the individual as subordinated to the forces of history. Instead, he elevated the individual's subjectivity and capacity to choose his or her own fate. Later Existentialists built upon this notion. Nietzsche, for example, examines the individual's need to define him/her own self and circumstances in his concept of the will to power and the heroic ideal of the Übermensch. The individual is also central to Sartre's philosophy, which emphasizes individual authenticity, responsibility, and free will. In both Sartre and Nietzsche, the individual is called upon to create his or her own values, rather than rely on external, socially imposed codes of morality.

Individual Subcategories Individual Articles What Is A Housing Co-op, Anyway? by Virginia Wherland Nov 12, 2008 Housing Cooperatives are a legal entity that owns real estate, with tenants being shareholders, paying their share of the associated fees. Individual shareholders do not own the real estate they live in, but are essentially shareholders of a corp... The Difference Between Individual and Family Health Insurance by Bill Jimson Sep 19, 2008 If you want to have an individual insurance plan or a plan that includes your family, the first thing you have to consider is if it suits your budget. Basically, individual insurance is cheaper than family insurance, unless the individual is sufferin... Australian Loan Solutions for Poor Credit Individuals by Zack Fair Apr 23, 2008 Bad credit is no reason to stop you from getting what you want. With the current credit issues in Australia, the number of people with bad credit is increasing. However, there are venues available to these people, allowing them to obtain loans to sat... Suited Products for Financially Challenged Individuals by Fabiola Groshan Aug 31, 2007 A remortgage is a process practiced in many countries. Giving the same propriety as collateral, one pays off his/ her mortgage using the proceeds from a second mortgage. This process, also known as refinancing, usually serves the purpose of gaining a... The Buy To Let Business Model by Graeme Nicholson Jul 16, 2007 Of recent years, no business model has appealed to the general populous to the extent of the buy to let. With a strong and stable economy, and snowballing property prices, the buy to let market has become an industry in its own right, and has given ... The Tax Advantages of an Individual Savings Account (ISA) by Graeme Nicholson Jul 16, 2007 The successor to the TESSA, the ISA (or individual savings account) provides a government regulated savings scheme for encouraging individuals to save rather than spend as a means of economic and financial control. By encouraging saving in the econo... Why Life Insurance? by Graeme Nicholson Jul 16, 2007 The insurance industry is booming, providing an essential lifeline for the unexpected events in life. Whether its car insurance, home insurance, pet insurance or even life insurance, the insurance industry is there to protect us against the unexpect... The Benefits of a Fixed Rate Mortgage by Graeme Nicholson Jul 16, 2007 A vital question that faces most homeowners at some stage is whether or not to opt for a fixed rate or variable mortgage. The age-old weighing up of security over potential savings is one that has plagued buyers for decades, and one to which there i... Recycling Benefits for Business and Individuals by Guna seelan Jul 13, 2007 While there are many disadvantages and problems that are caused by not recycling, this article provides information on the benefits of recycling to date and the positive outcome that we have experienced as a result of businesses and individuals who h... Buying Property with Your IRA by Barry Waxler Apr 21, 2007 The IRA is a retirement vehicle with plenty of potential, but almost no one takes advantage of it. One strategy for getting the most out of your retirement dollars is to buy real property. Have you ever heard of buying property with an IRA? P...