How do you define normal?

Question

For all intents and purposes, normality is not always seen the same way by everyone.Much like morality, normality is often defined by society and/or those whom you surround yourself with and/or your personal beliefs.

But, really, what is normal?How can we define normal when normal for us may not be normal for someone else?Do you believe your normal is the only normal?Do you think someone else might see you as abnormal?

How do you define normal?

Answer 1

there is no such thing as normal, its simply a word we use to judge people...I prefer not to use it very often

Answer 2

Normal is derived from the word "norm" and without the "norm" (or society) we wouldn't really have a true definition of abnormal. You can't really define what normal is, but you can easily say what isn't normal. If someone is born with a genetic quirk that the majority doesn't have, we call it "abnormal." Same thing with habits that people form that are not what others do: it's also "abnormal."
Normality doesn't exist then without the idea of abnormal. And one day, some things we consider abnormal could become normal, or vice versa.

Answer 3

When talking about People any measurement involving 30 of more in the sample size will tend statistically to form a Bell Curve. For that group normal would be a range on 2 standard Deviations (I.E. 1 standard deviation to either side of the Mean).

Answer 4

Normal is a relative term i.e. whats normal in my society need not be normal in yours. For example Normal temperature in my country is 47 degree C in Summer - that too in the south - while its 27 degree in winter - again in the south. While in the north its 45 / 20 respectively.

The same is the case with behavior / living etc. So Normal means the general occurrence in and around where u reside / observe.

Hope i am clear

Answer 5

Normal is a statistical thing. It is one standard deviation above and below the average on the bell curve. Has very, very little to do with "healthy" or "appropriate" or any other more valid measure.

Yes, I know I am abnormal in many ways. I try not to let it bother me. Some measures, I am above the standard deviation; on others below. What I need to focus on is what's healthy for me, what is important to me, what is morally justified, honorable, even courageous. What is compassionate, even loving.

Sometimes virtues are NOT the norms.

Answer 6

Since Normal is relative, I would say it can be defined as the state of being as close as possible to the status quo within a particular community/group/society.

Answer 7

take the average man in your community. better yet take a hundred of them. put them on a jury. some women, some black, some asian, some gay, some straight, some young, some old. should be proportionally what the community is like.

then, what they think is normal is whats normal.
9 times out of 10.

Answer 8

it is very difficult to define it. it is a relative term which is subject to change periodically. generally normal behavior means that is accepted by majority of the people .

Answer 9

normal includes a standard error of plus and minus and is within some specified range.

Answer 10

i believe that everyone has different normalitys, which is way every one has different querks about them selves, you can be classified as normal by someone else but even they are abnormal to you