Domination and Submission. From the Idea of ‘Legal Personality’ Back to the Metaphor,of the ‘Mask’

The challenging concept of legal person has evolved significantly over the centuries, rooted in the ancient Roman notion of persona as a mask or character that conferred different legal and social roles on individuals (as well super-human entities). In modern times, the concept of legal person seems even to expand beyond the human sphere to encompass a wide range of entities, including animals, artificial intelligence (AI) and the environment. This article explores the complexities and dilemmas surrounding this evolving concept, and examines the challenges and opportunities presented by the extension of the legal persona to new frontiers.