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Autonomy Vs Heteronomy

The document discusses the concepts of autonomy and heteronomy as developed by Jean Piaget in his study of moral judgments. Autonomy refers to self-rule and the ability to make decisions independent of external factors, while heteronomy is being governed by external authorities rather than oneself. Piaget identified three stages of moral development: motor rule (following basic instructions), coercive rule (following rules because adults say to), and rational rule (following rules based on their perceived value rather than external commands). The last stage represents autonomy, where individuals are self-governing, whereas the coercive stage represents heteronomy of being ruled by others. In heteronomy, only outcomes are considered, while in autonomy, intentions and promoting justice

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260 views

Autonomy Vs Heteronomy

The document discusses the concepts of autonomy and heteronomy as developed by Jean Piaget in his study of moral judgments. Autonomy refers to self-rule and the ability to make decisions independent of external factors, while heteronomy is being governed by external authorities rather than oneself. Piaget identified three stages of moral development: motor rule (following basic instructions), coercive rule (following rules because adults say to), and rational rule (following rules based on their perceived value rather than external commands). The last stage represents autonomy, where individuals are self-governing, whereas the coercive stage represents heteronomy of being ruled by others. In heteronomy, only outcomes are considered, while in autonomy, intentions and promoting justice

Uploaded by

Key Reed
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Autonomy vs Heteronomy

Kant imported Autonomous and Heteronomy into ethics. A Swiss psychologist and a teacher Jean Piaget studied
the subject of Moral Judgments. He developed the concept of Autonomy and Heteronomy. These refer to how
person learn and applies moral standards.

Autonomy means self-rule ( the term autonomy is derived from the ancient Greek words autos, meaning self and
nomos, meaning rule). It is the capacity to govern ourselves. Ability to make our own decisions, leading one's life
according to reasons, values, or desires. If his actions or choices are unaffected by factors that are external then he
is autonomous. Also an autonomous person will himself to do things instead of making other people decide for
him. A person whom autonomous will have a good will. A will is letting the person to do good things. The most
fundamental aspect of morality is the action of the individual person.

Heteronomy is the opposite of Autonomy. Derived from the Greek word hetero, means different and nomos,
means law. It is not capable of self-rule. It is refer to a decision influenced by external factors. It is a state or
condition of being ruled governed by others. It is defined also as being governed by our own desires. In moral and
political theory, Heteronomy implies that individuals need some external authority to inform them of their moral
and political obligations because we are incapable of coming to know our obligations on our own. But Kant opposes
this claim by the argument stating that because of our capacity for reason, persons are natural autonomous.

According to Piaget’s perspective, the concept of “rules” evolved according to the moral development. Rules are
those commands that seek positive behaviors in individuals or groups. Rules are more universal when they avoid
conflicts, promote growth, respect and justice. We must not forget that there are also destructive rules so not all
rules promote growth, respect and justice.

Motor rule is simply follows some basic instructions. Adult must intervene directly or physically. Next is
the Coercive rule which occurs in the first year of childhood. In this stage the child follow the rules because the
adults say so. They do not even try to question or think about it. In other words this is the Heteronomy Stage. And
the last is the Rational rule. This rule is not administer by others rather by the individual. They are aware of the
value of norm they carrying out. In other words, this is the stage of Autonomy.

In heteronomy, intention is not analyzed. It means that the only thing reconsideration is the result of the behavior
not the motivation behind it. The main characteristics of heteronomy is rigidity, because there is no intentions, no
context, no reasons are evaluated. There is a norm followed. In autonomy, the intention is a decisive factor and so
is justice. If the behavior is against the rule but it promotes justice then it is valid. There is a high catch for morality
as a means for equality, cooperation and respect for other.

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