Redéfinir les traits

Résumé : The classic conception of traits as person attributes (i.e. diagnostic descriptions of personality) is criticized. A new conception which emphasizes that traits are also involved in the description of non-diagnostic events, such as inner states is proposed. This approach is based on Allen and Potkay's idea on the arbitrary distinction between states and traits. It is proposed that traits are linked to personality description because of their dominant use and not because of their intrinsic meaning. This dominant use is socially determined and this phenomenon should be investigated. Such a conception raises new social issues based on the study of social determinants in the function of traits.