HETERONOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Heteronomy is a philosophical term that refers to a condition or state in which an individual's actions, decisions, or moral values are determined or influenced by external factors or sources, rather than being guided by their own autonomous principles or internal reasoning. It is derived from the Greek words "heteros," meaning "other," and "nomos," meaning "law" or "norm."
In the realm of ethics and moral philosophy, heteronomy stands in contrast to autonomy, which is the ideal condition where an individual acts or makes choices based on their own personal sense of right and wrong, independent from external influences or society's expectations. Heteronomy suggests that the individual is subject to external authority, social norms, cultural traditions, or religious beliefs that dictate their actions, decisions, and moral values.
This concept is particularly significant in understanding the origins of moral commands, as it questions whether they emerge from one's own rationality or if they are merely imposed by external sources. Heteronomous behavior may arise from a variety of sources, such as family, friends, social institutions, legal systems, or influential figures, as individuals may feel obliged to conform to these external expectations rather than following their own internal ethical compass.
In conclusion, heteronomy refers to the condition in which an individual's actions and moral values are primarily influenced or determined by external forces, rather than being guided by their own autonomous reasoning or principles.
Common Misspellings for HETERONOMY
- geteronomy
- beteronomy
- neteronomy
- jeteronomy
- ueteronomy
- yeteronomy
- hwteronomy
- hsteronomy
- hdteronomy
- hrteronomy
- h4teronomy
- h3teronomy
- hereronomy
- heferonomy
- hegeronomy
- heyeronomy
- he6eronomy
- he5eronomy
- hetwronomy
Etymology of HETERONOMY
The word "heteronomy" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "heteros" meaning "other" or "different", and "nomos" meaning "law" or "rule". When put together, "heteronomy" refers to a condition or state where an individual or a group of people are subject to a law or rule imposed by others, rather than being self-governing or autonomous. The term is often used in philosophy and ethics to discuss the concept of moral or ethical heteronomy, where one's moral principles or values are determined by external sources such as religion, society, or authority figures.
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