jednotlivci

Jednotlivci (singular: jednotlivec) is a Czech and Slovak term referring to persons considered as distinct, autonomous beings, in contrast to groups, collectives, or institutions. The word is used in law, sociology, statistics, and philosophy to denote a person as an individual rather than as a member of a class. In everyday language, the plural "jednotlivci" can refer to any number of persons.

In legal and ethical contexts, the concept of the individual relates to personhood, civil rights, and personal autonomy. Discussions of the rights of the individual emphasize privacy, freedom of expression, bodily integrity, and protection from discrimination. In data protection and research ethics, individuals are the primary subjects whose consent and confidentiality must be respected.

In social science, the term is used to describe phenomena at the level of the individual—such as individual behavior, decision-making, or profiles—distinguished from aggregate analyses of groups, institutions, or systems. This distinction affects sampling, measurement, and interpretation of results.

Historically, the rise of individualism in Western thought—from classical liberalism to contemporary human-rights discourse—emphasized the primacy of personal autonomy, dignity, and accountability. While the concept is widespread across many cultures, its interpretation and emphasis vary by constitutional traditions, culture, and social norms.