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Nessuno Escluso. Ontologia dell’integrazione e fenomenologia dei processi di integrazione sociale

The work investigates the phenomenon of integration from an ontological point of view. The first part examines ontological conditions of a fully completed integration process. Analysis focuses on relationships between parts and wholes, outlining the essential profile of an ontologically accomplished integration. If it is such, then integrated parts receive the chance to take part in foundational processes of the whole, both ontologically, becoming constituent parts of its existence, and metaphysically, becoming significant parts of its identity. Investigation also shows that the structure of social wholes (collective subjects) is essentially normative. The second part focuses on social integration. It calls into question the norms that structure different types of collectives, showing the fundamental role of constraints, both for their constitution and for the integration in each of them. For this reason, the second part proposes an articulated phenomenology of social normativity and an in-depth ontological-metaphysical analysis of its constraints. Finally, the third part investigates social integration from a qualitative point of view. Phenomenological investigation of different types of relationships (affective, sentimental, social, professional, axiological, institutional) establishes a correlated overview of possible stratifications, which can fully accomplish a social integration process. Ontological fulfillment is associated with the qualitative one, only if some fundamental principles are respected. The latter are rooted in certain universal characteristics of the human person. Through plural and non-coercive forms of belonging, it becomes possible to counteract social vulnerability (loneliness, isolation, clandestinity) and prevent human rights violations. In terms of democratic politics, integration appears as a fundamental practice of justice and an inexhaustible opportunity for social and institutional renewal.


Marco di Feo achieved his Phd degree in 2021, at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, with which he collaborates as a member of the Persona Research Center. He participated in several conferences, in Europe and in the United States, and published some articles in academic journals. His main fields of research are Social Ontology and Philosophy of the Personhood. This essay presents an updated review of his doctoral thesis and is his first monographic work.

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