Reflexivity is a desire for maximum awareness of one’s own actions, in other words, a determination to find the meaning of ongoing events and the relationships between them. It is considered a system-forming and multifunctional personal quality that contributes to the effective assimilation, deepening and processing of social experience, switching from the external level to the internal plane.
Reflexivity is also the ability of individuals and society to think critically, see negative aspects, pathological phenomena, identify potential dangers, and take preventative measures that can prevent or slow down certain trends.
Definition
The word "Reflection" is of Latin origin.
Literally speaking, it means “to look back.” In psychology, reflection is called introspection or introspection. They can be called synonyms. The definition of reflection is the totality of a person’s thoughts about his life and actions, as well as subsequent assessment of himself. A person is able to evaluate himself using communication mechanisms. For this reason, the existence of such a concept as reflection is impossible without communication.
Self-observation can be different:
- Ordinary reflection
- a person thinks about his actions, notices the mistakes he has made, but does not get hung up on it. - Deep reflection
- a person engages in soul-searching, analyzes his actions and the response of society. This includes reflections on the universe and moral standards.
Any human action can become reflexive.
For example, feelings, actions, words, impulses, emotions. They become reflexive if a person turns to his consciousness and tries to carry out introspection. Thanks to reflection, a person thinks and fantasizes, goes into the world of dreams and begins to feel like a part of reality. By creating a picture of an ideal world in his head, he begins to feel like a certain person and acts in society according to his attitudes.
Empathy - what is it, or is it easy to be an empath?
There are relationships that do not have the property of reflexivity.
Examples of relationships that do not have the property of reflexivity:
- the relation of perpendicularity on a set of segments (there is not a single segment about which it can be said that it is perpendicular to itself);
— the “longer” relation for segments.
Definition.
A relation
R on a set A is called anti-reflexive if it can be said about each element of the set A that it is not in a relation R with itself, that is, aRa
.
Definition.
A relation
R
on a set
A is called symmetric if the condition is met: from the fact that element a
is in a relation
R
with an element
b
, it follows that the element
b
is in a relation
R
with an element
a
, that is, for any of
aRb
it follows
bRa
.
Comment. The symmetric relation graph has a special feature: together with each arrow coming from a
to b, the graph also contains an arrow going from
b
to a.
The opposite statement is also true. A graph containing each arrow going from a
to
b
and an arrow going from
b
to
a
is a symmetric relation graph.
Examples of symmetrical relationships:
- parallelism relation on a set of lines (if line x
is parallel to the line
y
, then the line
y
is parallel to the line
x
);
— similarity ratio of triangles (if triangle F
is similar to triangle
P
, then triangle
P
is similar to triangle
F
).
- the relationship of perpendicularity on a set of segments (if one segment is perpendicular to another segment, then this “other” is perpendicular to the first);
— the “longer” relation for segments (if one segment is equal to another segment, then this “other” is equal to the first).
EXAMPLE. Let us consider the relation “longer” on a set of segments, which does not have the property of symmetry. Indeed, if the segment x
is longer than the segment
y
, then the segment
y
cannot be longer than the segment
x
. About the relationship “longer” they say that it has the property of antisymmetry or is simply antisymmetric.
Definition.
A relation
R
on a set
A is called antisymmetric if for different elements a
and
b
from the set
A the following condition is satisfied: if aRb
and
bRa
imply
a
=
b
.
Comment. An antisymmetric relation graph has a special feature: if the vertices of the graph are connected by an arrow, then there is only one arrow. The converse is also true: a graph whose vertices are connected by only one arrow is an antisymmetric relation graph.
Examples of antisymmetric relationships:
— the relation “longer” on a set of segments;
- “greater than” relation for numbers (if x
greater
than y
, then
y
cannot be greater than
x
);
- the relation “more than 2” for numbers (if x
is greater than y by 2, then y cannot be greater than
x
).
EXAMPLE. Let us consider the relation “to be a sister” on the set of children of one family, which has neither the property of symmetry nor the property of antisymmetry. Let there be three children in the family: Katya, Masha, and Tolya. Then the graph of the relationship “being a sister” will be like this:
K··M
·
T
Figure 3.3 – Relationship graph “Being a sister”
It shows that this relation has neither the property of symmetry nor the property of antisymmetry.
Definition.
A relation
R
on a set
A is called transitive if the condition is met: from the fact that element a
is in a relation
R
with element
b, and
element
b
is in a relation
R
with element
c
, then it follows that element
a
is in relation
R
with element c, that is, for any of
a
R
b
and
b
R
c,
a
R
follows .
Comment. Transitive relation graph with each pair of arrows coming from a
to
b
and
b
to
c
, contains an arrow going from
a
to
c
. The opposite statement is also true.
EXAMPLE. The relation ≤ on the set R of real numbers, as well as the inclusion relation of subsets of a certain set, are reflexive and transitive, but not symmetric. The relation < on the set of real numbers is transitive, but not reflexive and not symmetric. Relation " x"
is the mother of y” is not reflexive, not symmetrical, not transitive.
Let us now consider the properties of binary relations in the language of matrices.
Let R
– a binary relation on the set.
Ratio
: _
· reflexively, if only ones are located on the main diagonal of the relation matrix;
· symmetrically, if the matrix is symmetrical with respect to the main diagonal;
· antisymmetric if in the matrix all elements outside the main diagonal are zero;
· transitive if the relation is satisfied.
EXAMPLE. Let's check what properties the relation , A
={1,2,3}, defined by the relation graph.
Let's create a relation matrix R:
Since the matrix has zero elements on the main diagonal, the relation R is not reflexive
.
Matrix asymmetry means that the relation R is not symmetrical.
To check the antisymmetry, let's calculate the matrix
.
Since in the resulting matrix all elements outside the main diagonal are zero, the ratio R is antisymmetric
.
Since (check!), then, that is, R
is
a transitive
relation.
Types of reflection
Ambition, reflection...
Reflection is a complex and multifaceted concept. It has many definitions, depending on the situation.
There are several main types of reflection:
- Personal character
- a person gets to know his inner world, thinks about his inner “I”. - Communicative in nature
- a person analyzes his relationships with the outside world, other people, loved ones and acquaintances. - Cooperative in nature
- a person thinks and analyzes the possibility of achieving a certain goal by acting together with someone. - Intellectual
- thinking about certain knowledge and the possibility of applying it in real life. - Existential in nature
- a person is immersed in deep and very personal reflections. - Sanogenic nature
- attempts to control a stressful situation, get rid of negative emotions, experiences and suffering.
There are also several other types of reflection, depending on the situation in which a person finds himself.
Hypocrite - who is it?
What it is
In order to understand the concept of reflexivity, it is necessary to clarify the meaning of the word reflection, which implies the process of individuals turning attention inward and to their own consciousness, then reflexivity means the ability of subjects to comprehend their personality, to understand the origins of their own actions.
Thus, reflection is a qualitative characteristic indicating that consciousness is capable of directing attention inward. Reflexivity is a quantitative characteristic demonstrating the severity of such ability, criticality of analysis, and depth.
Reflection literally means going back. The concept of reflecting is used to denote the process of thinking about one’s own mental state, turning attention inward. In different sciences and philosophical views, the term in question has different meanings. Thus, Locke meant by reflection the source of specific knowledge when the action of consciousness is contemplated. Leibniz considered reflection to be the attention of individuals to what is happening within them. According to Jung, ideas are reflections on ideas received from the outside.
Summarizing all views, what is common in the interpretation of reflection is its focus on the inner world of individuals.
Reflexivity acts as a personal trait that characterizes self-directed cognition. The analyzed phenomenon is considered one of the most important characteristics of consciousness.
Psychologists emphasize the importance of separating the two similar phenomena above. Reflexivity in psychology is presented as a personal property, and reflection is a process of knowing one’s own personality.
In this case, the first refers to the quality of personality that determines reflection as a process. Reflexivity has a criterion of expression and is determined by the direction of the processes of cognition inside one’s own personality.
These two above phenomena are realized with the help of reflexive abilities.
Thus, reflexivity is the ability to analyze one’s own personality, discover the motives of one’s actions, including:
– past actions and events;
- emotional condition;
– successful or unsuccessful performance results;
– changing personality traits, character traits.
Each individual has a different level of reflection. It is determined by intellectual development, level of knowledge, and upbringing. Some subjects continuously analyze their own actions, reflect on the motivation of their actions, while others do not think about their own behavior at all. A huge role here is given to the individual’s desire to understand his own misconceptions, to realize mistakes, the level of self-criticism and the need to compare his own person with the environment.
The distinguishing feature of a mature personality is the ability to be responsible for committed actions and take responsibility for the existence that a person has. If an individual invariably blames the environment and circumstances for current events and current situations, then he is a weak person.
Reflexivity of consciousness is the ability to comprehend one’s own internal “Universe” and build a picture of personal states.
General consciousness performs the function of self-awareness (the ability to isolate one’s own person as a separate creation) with interaction and orientation to the external environment. It is inherent in all beings. While reflexive consciousness is responsible for self-knowledge (the ability to analyze the state of one’s own spiritual world), it is developed during development as a specific feature inherent exclusively in human consciousness.
The immediate possibility of reflection in individuals arises as a result of knowledge of the environment and, in particular, society. Mastery of historically developed operations of activity and methods of interaction with the environment gives rise to the need for reflection, and, consequently, leads to the emergence of a perfect form of reflection of reality. Only at the level of the perfect form of reflection does reflexivity of consciousness arise.
Forms of reflection
There are several forms of introspection, depending on the situation in which a person’s thoughts begin:
- Situational form
- a person reacts to the situation that he is faced with at the moment. - Retrospective form
- analysis of events that happened in the past. - Prospective form
- a person makes plans for the future, dreams and sets certain goals.
What our time lacks is not reflection, but passion. Because our time is too tenacious to die, for dying is one of the most amazing leaps. Soren Kierkegaard. Fear and Trembling
Social reflection
In social life, reflection is a kind of awareness of a person of who he is for other individuals.
In other words, social reflection in psychology is not only a person’s awareness of himself, but also an understanding of how other people treat him. This includes a person’s personality traits, reactions to various events, emotional impulses, mood and character. When joint activity arises between members of society, social reflection turns into subject-reflective relationships.
Characteristics of kinesthetics. How to communicate with kinesthetic learners?
Reflection in the psychology of communication
Reflection in communication is no less important
Reflection occupies a special place in psychology because it is a form of self-knowledge. It plays a major role in communication with society, allows you to be aware of your actions and understand other people. Self-analysis allows a person to build relationships with other people.
Reflection in the psychology of communication helps to see everything that is happening from the outside. An example is the inappropriate behavior of a particular person or one’s own mistakes. Through self-analysis, a person will realize that he should not interact with a certain person or realize that he behaved incorrectly. Thus, reflection will help you eliminate unnecessary people from your life and resolve conflicts.
Reflection is the search for answers to all existing questions related to a person’s personality.
With its help, all personal problems of a person are solved. The individual is not even aware of the role reflection plays in his life. Periodically thinking about his attitude towards life and people, he conducts introspection, sees his own shortcomings and tries to correct them, depending on his moral values.
Altruist - his character, motives, advantages and disadvantages
Equivalence relation
A relation R that has the properties of reflexivity, symmetry and transitivity is called an equivalence relation . For equivalent relations, the notation is usually written (read: "equivalent"). Equivalent relations are: “to be congruent” on a set of flat triangles, “to be the same size” on a set of shoe samples, “to be related” on a set of people, etc.
The introduction of an equivalence relation R on a set M determines the partition of all elements of this set into equivalence classes. The set of all equivalence classes forms the factor set of the set M and is denoted M/R. Moreover, each element of this class is an authorized representative of this class. A set of one and only one representative of each class is called a system of representatives of the corresponding equivalence relation. An example of the introduction of an equivalence relationship and the formation of a system of representatives is the formation of a representative body of power based on elections.
What is the use of reflection?
Reflective activity opens up new possibilities for a person.
Thinking over his actions and deeds, he learns to live correctly:
- It becomes possible to control your thinking. A person tries to think in the right direction.
- Reflection promotes self-criticism, which allows you to see your own shortcomings, analyze them and work on mistakes.
- Self-analysis allows you to get rid of negative and depressing thoughts that poison human existence.
- The analysis of experienced life situations begins, with subsequent conclusions.
- Realizing past mistakes, an individual develops a strong personality and acquires his own position.
In the process of reflection, personal growth is observed.
A person changes and learns from his mistakes without repeating them in the future. But if a person lacks reflection, then he repeats similar mistakes and does not understand the cause of his distress. Philanthropist - helping for profit or a character trait?
What is reflection?
A certain category of people are prone to constant introspection.
But most of the population does not think about their actions. There are several ways to develop reflection and look at the world differently.
- Try to analyze your day. Analysis must be done down to the smallest detail, down to random encounters, individual dialogues, unpleasant situations and joyful events.
- Read the relevant literature.
- Take some time to reflect.
- Write down a few important issues that need to be addressed. Try to think of a possible way out.
Important:
The main way to develop reflection is communication. By contacting the outside world, experiencing positive and negative moments, a person learns self-analysis. After a long and eventful day, you should think a little about your experience and try to derive some benefit from it.
Other types of reflection
As mentioned above, there are many types of reflection.
There are three main types, depending on the direction of a person’s thinking:
- Elementary type.
Such reflection is typical for almost every person. The appearance of difficult situations in life forces us to turn to introspection and try to understand what led to the sad outcome. By reflecting on the actions taken, a person can find answers to all questions for himself. - Scientific type.
Reflection is also used in various studies and experiments. With its help, it is possible to confirm or refute certain theories from a scientific point of view. - Philosophical kind.
Philosophical reflection is devoted to high questions. We are talking about questions of existence and the universe, the true meaning of life and the purpose of man. If a person is able to think so deeply and periodically thinks about serious issues, this shows a high level of his intelligence.
Order relation
A relation R that has the properties of reflexivity, antisymmetry and transitivity is called an order relation . If an order relation is introduced on a given set, then this set is called ordered. In this case, instead of writing A set is perfectly ordered if for any two elements and from the set M
either , or holds. Otherwise, the set is said to be partially ordered . For example, the relation “to be taller” on the set of trees is perfectly ordered, and the relation “to be a divisor” on the set of integers is partially ordered.
Let each element from the set M, according to some rule f, be assigned a real number, the weight of the element . Entering a weight for each element allows you to order them as their weights increase (decrease) and then compare the elements according to the assigned weight. Examples of ordering through the introduction of weights are: assigning each product its price, each machine its reliability, each body its weight, volume, etc. Weighing decision options through the formation of a complex quality indicator is one of the most common ways to solve the problem of choice based on a variety of different quality attributes.
If a relation has the properties of anti-reflexivity, asymmetry and transitivity, then it is called a relation of strict order (denoted by ). An example of a strict order relation is the order of letters in a fixed alphabet. The ordering of letters in the alphabet allows, in turn, to order words in dictionaries (lexicographic ordering of words).
Examples of reflection from life
Reflection in life, how does it manifest itself?
The modern rhythm of life does not allow us to think about important and serious issues. In fact, in the world around us there are many opportunities to develop reflection and look at life differently.
Try to think
Social networks on the Internet provide a person with so much information that there is not even time left to think about it.
People no longer have to put in effort or introspection, because all they have to do is type a query online to get an answer. For this reason, reflection is not developed in most of the population. Experts say that a large amount of various information harms a person. A large flow is not absorbed by the brain, as a result only fragmentary pictures and phrases remain, which will not be useful. The brain is designed to think about a specific topic.
Without getting out of the rhythm of life, you can develop reflection in yourself. An example from life could be a common action. It’s enough to choose one case, for example, a book you read, a movie you saw, or a trip to a museum, and then answer the following questions for yourself:
:
- Was there any benefit from this?
- Have I received new information?
- How can I use this experience?
- Did I like the character (place)?
- What did I learn from this?
This will allow you to relax and concentrate at the same time. While a person answers the questions that interest him, the brain will actively act and develop reflection.
Keep a special notebook
The tendency to introspection is developed by a special attitude towards life.
It is important to pay attention to all the details and try to even think about what could cause negative emotions. This is the only way a person can realize his mistakes. Reflection develops from an early age, but once you start thinking about all your actions, you can do this even in adulthood. A person must think about the most important and pressing issues in his life, even if they may cause him pain. There should be a lot of questions, because they cover the whole life.
After this, all this should be written down in a special notebook.
, dividing the questions into the following categories:
- Questions about life and death.
Philosophical reasoning, the meaning of life and purpose. - The main goal in life.
Did you manage to achieve it? If not, then for what reasons? - Relationships with others.
Not only well-wishers should be included, but also those with whom relations have been damaged. Answer the question “why did this happen and how could it have been avoided?” - About the spiritual world, religion and God.
- About past mistakes and actions.
Answer the question “what did I do wrong and how could I fix it?” - About plans and cherished dreams.
Answer the question “how can I achieve this”. - About material values.
Answer the question “what is most important to me in my life.”
Important:
Most of these questions can cause serious difficulties for a person, because they must answer honestly. Reflection involves introspection. A person must be able to recognize not only his positive sides, but also his shortcomings. By answering all the questions honestly and analyzing them, a person can learn a lot about himself.
Properties of relationships
Reflexivity . A relation R defined on a set M is called reflexive if for any relation it holds. Formally, reflexivity can be defined as follows: A reflexive relation always holds between the object and itself. The most striking examples of reflexive relationships are self-care and equality.
Anti-reflexivity. A relation R defined on a set M is anti-reflexive if In anti-reflexive relations it follows from the condition that Examples of anti-reflexive relations: to be older, to be smaller, etc.
Symmetry. A relation R defined on a set M is called symmetric if, when the relation is satisfied, the relation is also satisfied. Formally, the relation is symmetric if, for example, the relations “to stand next to each other on a shelf” on a set of books or “to be relatives” on a set of people are symmetrical.
Asymmetry . A relation R, defined on a set M, is called asymmetric if in asymmetric relations of two relations and no more than one (one or not one) can be satisfied. An example of an asymmetrical relationship: “to be a father” (if he is a father, then he cannot be a father).
Antisymmetry . A relation R defined on a set M has the property of antisymmetry if This means that if the relations are simultaneously satisfied, all relations of a non-strict order are antisymmetric: “to be no more”, “to be no higher”, etc.
Transitivity. A relation R defined on a set M is transitive if for any of the satisfiability conditions
relations follows Formally, this can be written as follows: A relation that does not have such a property is said to be intransitive. For example, the relation “standing next to each other on a shelf” is intransitive. Indeed, let the volumes of some encyclopedia be in ascending order of volume numbers. Then, if the first volume stands next to the second, and the second next to the third, then, obviously, the first does not stand next to the third.
All general properties of relations can be divided into three groups: reflexivity (each relation is reflexive or anti-reflexive), symmetry (a relation is always either symmetrical, or asymmetrical, or antisymmetrical), transitivity (every relation is transitive or non-transitive). Relations that have a certain set of properties are given special names.
