Enkeltmenneskeligt

Enkeltmenneskeligt is a neologism used in Danish-language debates in ethics and political philosophy to describe a framework that centers the intrinsic value and rights of the individual within social and political life. The term signals a priority given to the individual as a moral unit, distinct from collective equations or aggregate welfare.

The term blends enkelt (single, individual) and menneskeligt (humane, human), conveying a focus on the individual as a primary unit of moral consideration. In this sense, enkletmenneskeligt suggests that policies and practices should treat each person as an end in themselves rather than solely as a means to larger societal goals.

In practice, enkletmenneskeligt advocates emphasize autonomy, informed consent, and protection from instrumentalization. Proponents argue that decisions in areas such as healthcare, data privacy, and technology should preserve individual agency and ensure that persons retain meaningful control over their own lives and information.

Its use appears in discussions within medical ethics, digital rights, and AI governance, where questions arise about balancing collective interests with individual rights. The term remains relatively new and informal, and its precise boundaries vary among writers and contexts.

Critics warn that an exclusive emphasis on individuals can neglect social goods, collective responsibilities, and systemic inequalities. They caution against exaggerated individualism that undermines broader social cohesion. Related concepts include liberal individualism, human rights, autonomy, and personhood, which provide philosophical anchors for debates around enkletmenneskeligt in contemporary ethics.