Kenneth Gergen's (1991) `saturated self is contrasted using William Stern's (1923) conception of the person, which is based upon three primary characteristics: unitas multiplex, purposiveness, individuality. Gergen emphazises the multiplicity of the self, but neglects to treat the problem of unity. On the contrary, Stem's unitas multiplex, which means unity in diversity through purposiveness, offers a solution to this problem. While Gergen criticizes individuality as individualism, Stern highlights individuality as a `world of its own', which is created by every person through productive self-development. Purposiveness, the most central category of the person, is related to the postmodern experience of goal conflicts. Finally, there is discussion of the validity of Stem's conception of the person in postmodern living conditions.
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