persona etymology

Etymology:

The word "persona" is derived from Latin, where it originally referred to a theatrical mask used by actors in ancient Roman theater.

Meaning:

  • In psychology: A social self or mask that an individual adopts in different social situations.
  • In philosophy: The essential nature or true self of a person.
  • In aesthetics: An artistic representation of a human character.

Origin:

The Latin word "persona" comes from the Etruscan word "phersu," meaning "mask."

Historical Development:

  • Ancient Greece:
    • The term "prosopon" was used to refer to a mask in theatrical performances.
    • The philosopher Plato used the concept of "eidos" (form) to describe the underlying essence of a person.
  • Ancient Rome:
    • "Persona" became the standard term for a theatrical mask.
    • The concept of persona was expanded to include the social roles and identities that individuals assumed.
  • Middle Ages:
    • The Christian theologian Augustine used the term "persona" to refer to the Trinity, arguing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were distinct but unified.
  • Renaissance:
    • The concept of persona was revived in the arts, particularly in literature and theater.
  • Modern Psychology:
    • In the early 20th century, psychologists such as Carl Jung and Erik Erikson used the term "persona" to describe the social facade that individuals present to others.

Today, the term "persona" continues to be used in various fields, including psychology, philosophy, literature, and theater.

persona relate terms

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