Autonomy vs Heteronomy

Hi there,

As we have discussed in class, autonomy and heteronomy are two opposed terms about the degree of human freedom. On the one hand, autonomy is the highest form of the freedom because people make their own calls on a situation. In this type of freedom, people make their own self-imposed laws(self-regulation). This does not mean that autonomous people are fully free. They are just limiting their freedoms themselves. On the other hand in heteronomous people are not free at all. The jugdements that they need to make are being performed by others. In other words, people are being ruled and controlled externally. Obedience is the key term in heteronomy. People who prefer to be heteronomous need to obey the rules that are set by others. When we compare this two degree of freedom it is a fact that, people who prefer choosing heteronomy are lazy, cowards. Like a litlle baby, they have parents who, take care of their judgements. They live without the stress of making wrong call on a current event/situation. However, we live in englihtenment age, instead of being ruled by others people need to be aware of that, human are smart beings and they can control themselves. Furthermore, As Immanuel Kant suugests, only self-limited freedom is true freedom. The only thing that people need is to have enough courage to make their calls and even if they fail, they need to try harder. Only, this kind of a society can enhance in all aspects.

What is your opinion about this? I look forward to see your comments!