The Concepts of “The Life Path of a Personality” and “Fate”: A Socio-Philosophical Analysis

The purpose of the study is to determine the content of the concept of “the life path of a personality” through its comparison with the content of the concept of “fate,” as well as to establish the relationship between these categories in the context of socio-philosophical discourse. In the article, the life path of a personality and fate are examined at the socio-philosophical level of understanding. Their comparative analysis is performed by highlighting common, transitional, and distinct characteristics. The existing links between the concepts of “the life path of a personality” and “fate” are revealed. As a result of the study, it was noted that the definitions under consideration are understood as ways of creating ideas about the social space through which a personality is formed, as well as safe conditions for its existence. The characteristics inherent in the content of both concepts are highlighted: narrativity, communicative signs, and communicative practices that demonstrate both similarities and differences. It is revealed that the concept of “the life path of a personality” differs in three key substantive characteristics: uncertainty, freedom, and responsibility. In comparison with the category of “fate,” the content of the concept of “the life path of a personality” turns out to be broader from the point of view of socio-philosophical analysis, as it allows us to more fully comprehend the movement of personality in the social space in accordance with the processes of modern society, in which risk is of particular importance. The content of the category “fate” has limitations related to its characteristics, such as certainty, lack of freedom, and removal of responsibility. This is not enough to solve modern problems of society, in contrast to the concept of “the life path of a personality,” the interest in which is significantly increasing against this background.