Normal, Abnormal?

Define.

There can only be set criteria for "normal" or "abnormal" within the bounds of specific areas, or when scientifically classified as having developed consistently in a specific way, with the differentiated exceptions resulting in effects which are unique, rare, or in some cases, detrimental. For instance, a "normal" human hand develops with five fingers, but an abnormal human hand might develop with fewer or more fingers, which may may have any number of results, whether positive, neutral, or detrimental.

Socially, a definition of "normal" and "abnormal" is nearly impossible, but can be isolated within areas which have prevalent cultural tendencies followed by the majority of the population and eshewed by a minority of the populace. These few are often shunned, outcast, treated with contempt, and considered to be abnormal within the culture they are a part of, by proximity or association. Naturally, the methods to define normalcy and abnormality are often driven by fear and a lack of understanding. When things considered to be abnormal grow in popularity it forces a larger portion of the populace to consider if this abnormality they feared is a threat in some way, or if it can coexist peacefully. If it is determined that the abnormality in question is no longer a threat, it is accepted into the "norm" and becomes a part of the societal structure.

"Abby Normal?"
"I'm almost sure that was the name."
"Are you saying that I put an abnormal brain into a seven and a half foot long, fifty-four inch wide GORILLA?"

Fyrechiken wrote:"Abby Normal?"
"I'm almost sure that was the name."
"Are you saying that I put an abnormal brain into a seven and a half foot long, fifty-four inch wide GORILLA?"

I knew it! I'm surrounded by assholes!

Hahaha! That was the very first thing that came to mind as well!

Normal: Within plus or minus two standard deviations.

Abnormal: Outside of plus or minus more two standard deviations.

At least, that's how I view population dynamics. And the concept of "normal" in any other context save one seems irrational to me. (That other context is mathematical.)

Probably the most logical way to look at it, DW. I think I'd have to agree.

Essentially, "Normal" is what fits within the standards of society, and "Abnormal" is what doesn't.

rainshadow wrote:Probably the most logical way to look at it, DW. I think I'd have to agree.

Essentially, "Normal" is what fits within the standards of society, and "Abnormal" is what doesn't.

But what I said ignores society. It's abnormal for a middleschool girl to get pregnant. It's not, however, abnormal for a high school girl to get pregnant. Both are against the norms of society, however.

Depends on how you look at it. I would say in today's society it's not against the norms. Whether it should be or not is the question, I suppose.

But point taken.

A fair point on your part as well. The official norms of a society are the laws (say, speed limits). The unofficial norms are harder to pin down, but "What we think we're supposed to act like" is a good rule of thumb.

rainshadow wrote:

Fyrechiken wrote:"Abby Normal?"
"I'm almost sure that was the name."
"Are you saying that I put an abnormal brain into a seven and a half foot long, fifty-four inch wide GORILLA?"

I knew it! I'm surrounded by assholes!

HA!

This is under Heated Debates?  I thought I saw a philosophy section too....

Anyway, everything is normal. Not everything is popular.

Musikaman wrote:This is under Heated Debates?  I thought I saw a philosophy section too....

Anyway, everything is normal. Not everything is popular.

Good point. :p I just like that there IS a section specifically for heated debates.

Arcea-Drakkarre wrote:
Good point. :p I just like that there IS a section specifically for heated debates.

I fully agree. I'm working on a new post now. One to truly christen this wonderful new sub forum.  

Haha, splendid! I'll look forward to it then.

The idea is to make something for people to start with. Though it seems this will probably more likely be the place debates get tossed into when they occur. Seems most people are in agreement on this. I like the approach Musikaman. To a point is seems popular seems to correlate with "normal". But are there circumstances were this is not true?

Only in reflection to an analysis of a large group in a narrow band. Even then the outliers may still be considered normal as a byproduct of a given situation or group.

Musikaman wrote:This is under Heated Debates?  I thought I saw a philosophy section too....

Anyway, everything is normal. Not everything is popular.

I have a forum where we had a debate forum called the "Eyes of the Storm". One of the topics that wound up there was about dragons.

Yes, dragons.

Always thought that was unusual. Certainly not really the place for it, but amusing nonetheless.

However, a question:

If a brain is somehow altered and therefore not a regular human brain, yet cannot be considered abnormal as nothing is abnormal, then what exactly is it? Is said "altered" brain now evolved (or perhaps de-evolved as it perhaps has taken a step backwards in the evolutionary chain?

Curious.

EDIT: And you actually pretty much answered that with your last post that I failed to read. LOL

 

Normal and abnormal are words that are lacking when trying to provide any amount of real definition to something people try to express. They're overused words.

Abnormal is an antonym of normal. Neither can exist without the other and they are both words I despise using. There. I was truthful about every single statement I made then.