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universals

pl. n. in philosophy, general qualities, such as blueness or courage, as opposed to the particulars that instantiate them. The status of universals and their relationship to particulars have been a matter of much debate in philosophy. See also abstract idea; psychological universal.

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

novelty seeking

novelty seeking

1. a personality trait characterized by a strong interest in having new experiences; it is often associated with risk-taking behavior, and hence the term may be used synonymously with sensation seeking. It is also increasingly the preferred term for neophilia.

2. see Cloninger’s psychobiological model of personality; Temperament and Character Inventory.