nellindividuo

Nell'individuo is a term used in Italian-language academic discourse to denote an emphasis on the individual as the primary unit of analysis, agency, and moral consideration. It derives from the phrase in l'individuo, with the elision nel- and the apostrophe reflecting Italian pronunciation. The concept is commonly encountered in philosophy, ethics, psychology, and social sciences to describe perspectives that prioritize individual autonomy, rights, and identity over collective or structural factors.

In philosophy and political theory, nell'individuo appears in debates about liberalism, personhood, and moral responsibility. In psychology and education, it is used to discuss the development of individual capacities, self-determination, and personal meaning. In sociology and anthropology, it can serve as a foil to collectivist, structuralist, or communitarian accounts by foregrounding subjective experience.

Critics argue that an exclusive focus on the individual risks neglecting social context, inequalities, and relational duties. Proponents of relational or communal frameworks contend that personhood is always embedded in networks of relationships and social structures, and that a balance between individual rights and communal obligations is needed.