HETERONOMOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Heteronomous is an adjective that is derived from the combination of two Greek terms, namely "hetero" meaning "other" or "different," and "nomos" meaning "law" or "rule." This term is used to describe a state or condition in which individuals or entities are subject to an external authority or set of laws that is perceived as originating from an external source.
In philosophical and ethical contexts, heteronomy is often contrasted with autonomy. While autonomy refers to an individual's ability to act freely and independently based on their own reasoning and principles, heteronomy implies a lack of self-governance, as one's actions and decisions are dictated by external forces or authorities.
The term heteronomous can apply to various domains, such as moral, legal, or social systems. In the realm of ethics, for instance, heteronomous moral systems presume that moral obligations are determined by strict religious principles, cultural norms, or external authorities, rather than being based on personal values or individual judgment.
Furthermore, in legal contexts, heteronomy can refer to the concept that laws and regulations are imposed upon individuals by governing bodies, leading to a dependence on outside legal authority. In sociology, heteronomous social systems are characterized by a lack of individual agency, where societal structures heavily influence people's choices and behaviors.
Overall, heteronomous describes a situation where individuals or entities are subject to external laws or authorities that dictate their actions, decisions, or moral obligations, contrasting with notions of autonomy and self-governance.
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Different from the type; abnormal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HETERONOMOUS
- geteronomous
- beteronomous
- neteronomous
- jeteronomous
- ueteronomous
- yeteronomous
- hwteronomous
- hsteronomous
- hdteronomous
- hrteronomous
- h4teronomous
- h3teronomous
- hereronomous
- heferonomous
- hegeronomous
- heyeronomous
- he6eronomous
- he5eronomous
- hetwronomous
Etymology of HETERONOMOUS
The word "heteronomous" is derived from the combination of two separate roots: "hetero-" and "-nomous".
1. "Hetero-" is derived from Greek and means "other" or "different".
2. "-nomous" is also derived from Greek and is related to the concept of "law" or "rule". It is an adjective-forming suffix indicating the presence of rules or laws.
When these two roots are combined, "heteronomous" is formed, with the meaning "ruled by others" or "governed by external laws". It is often used in philosophy to describe a state where an individual's actions or choices are determined by external factors or forces, as opposed to being driven by their own autonomous will.
