Home – Home – Jornals – "Philosophy of Education" 2015 number 3

The authors consider the question of complexity of such socio-psychological phenomena as individuality and giftedness. The topicality of this study is conditioned by that the level of social consciousness leads to the realization of a change in the attitude of society to the problem of human individuality, the feasibility of realization of his/her interests and abilities. An important role in the development of individuality is played by natural inclinations, innate characteristics. The question about the nature of individuality, natural inclinations, abilities and the possibilities of their development is of interest among researchers. The category of individuality is used in different ways not only in psychology but also in other sciences. Manifestation of abilities, talents, their nature and the possibilities of their development are the study subject of various scientific fields, which leads to the formation of different methodological research approaches. Their study in different aspects made it possible to identify the structure and characteristics of giftedness. In this regard, a multi-layered structure of individuality is indicated. It is shown that giftedness is a complex psycho-physiological phenomenon which manifests itself in intellectual development, the dominant role of cognitive motivation, creativity and research activities, special abilities. According to a number of researchers, the key to understanding this phenomenon lies in the interaction between the individual and the age-related. Most researchers note that giftedness is the conditions and properties of the person which are formed during lifetime. However, it is stresses the importance of social conditions for the successful development of abilities and talents. Of particular importance is the successful self-realization of gifted children in the society: because of their specialness, they often experience behavioral and cognitive difficulties. The «measurement» of giftedness allows giving orientation in the individually intellectual development of the person. The basic strategies are considered of teaching children with high intellectual potential, which include acceleration and enrichment. In conclusion, the authors point out that taking into account the individual characteristics of each child, the level of his/her intellectual development, the direction of the interests and aptitudes allows developing the all-round, creative personality, which, at the present stage, is a priority task connected with creating conditions for the development of gifted children and their potential.