expression
that in itself; as such
Emphasizes that the thing or matter itself, rather than its consequences or related aspects, is the focus. Often used to clarify that a statement applies to the thing intrinsically.
そのこと自体は悪くないが、やり方に問題がある。
That in itself isn't bad, but there's a problem with the way it's done.
彼の提案は、そのこと自体は面白いと思う。
I think his proposal, as such, is interesting.
それ自体 refers to 'that thing itself' (a concrete object or abstract concept), while そのこと自体 refers specifically to 'that matter/event itself'.
Phrase composed of その (that), こと (thing/matter), and 自体 (itself).