The heteronomous decisions They are those that a person takes by factors external to his will. Unlike autonomous decisions, in which the individual is guided only by his morals, heteronomous decisions can be based on aspects such as the law, social pressure or religious beliefs.
According to the philosophy, being imposed from the outside, these decisions are not taken freely. This even applies to aspects such as the way of dressing, since although it is thought that clothes are chosen freely, in many cases individual taste is marked by fashions or social customs.
The creator of the concept of heteronomy was the philosopher Immanuel Kant, who claimed that individuals lose their independence and freedom when they follow social norms. However, many authors consider that this type of decision is a fundamental part of life in society..
These non-autonomous decisions are present in all aspects and parts of life. Thus, obeying a doctor, studying what parents want or obeying the law, regardless of whether they agree with the norm or not, are clear examples of heteronomy.
Heteronomy is a word made up of two Greek words: hetero, what does another mean, and nomos, whose translation would be "law".
In the field of ethical philosophy it is contrasted with the term autonomy. The main difference is the origin of the ethical norms and rules that different individuals follow. Thus, while autonomous decisions are made by the person himself, heteronomous decisions are determined by the impositions of others..
In the latter case, individuals accept the imposed rules in order to adapt to the society in which they live. This means that you sometimes have to act against your own will..
The creator of the concept of heteronomy was the German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724 - 1804). Within his work, this thinker analyzed the will of people and came to the conclusion that its origin could be divided into two branches: reason, which he identified with autonomy, and inclination, which he called heteronomy..
The decisions made for this second reason were, according to Kant, contrary to freedom, since they were due to external factors. Among these he mentioned religion, the State or the family.
In addition, Kant claimed that many decisions that were made in a supposedly autonomous way, were actually influenced by social demands or by how the individual had been educated.
Heteronomous decisions are characteristic of all organized societies. In order to live with the rest of the citizens, each individual is obliged to follow certain rules, even if they do not agree with them..
Although the main example of these external obligations are the laws enacted by the States, there are other factors that are just as powerful. Society itself exerts pressure, which is sometimes invisible, to behave in a certain way and the same can be said of the religion that is the majority.
History with its processes also causes individuals to be conditioned to make their decisions..
Some experts define heteronomy as a power that subdues individuals and does not allow them to develop in total freedom. With that definition, laws become one of the main forms that power takes.
From that point of view, obeying the laws would be a clear example of heteronomous decisions. In the case of wanting to act autonomously with respect to them, which means not complying with them, the individual risks being punished.
Another characteristic of heteronomous decisions is that, when making them, they often seek to avoid punishment.
Behaving against social, legal or religious norms often leads to retaliation. These do not have to be criminal, but society can marginalize those who do not comply with what is considered normal.
All people make heteronomous decisions in any aspect of their life. Let's see some examples:
The style in which a person decides to dress is often determined by what society considers appropriate. In this sense, the obligation to wear a suit at a wedding can be mentioned, even if the person does not feel like it..
On the other hand, the same is true of the less obvious pressure exerted by fashion or celebrities. Many people, sometimes without realizing it, tend to dress in a way that looks like their idols or follows the latest trend.
Heteronomous decisions occur when the career to study has been marked by the opinion of the parents. Likewise, it can also be determined by the thought that it is easier to find a job.
Another classic of this type of decision occurs when you start smoking or drinking due to pressure from the social group to which you belong, especially friends..
As with the way they dress, it is common for many people to start a diet, dye their hair or even have surgery to comply with the beauty canons established by society.
Peer pressure causes some to join in bullying episodes against a classmate or workmate. It is, once again, not to leave part of the group.
Younger children begin to play by inventing their own rules, in an autonomous way. Heteronomy occurs when someone outside forces them to play in a determined way and prevents them from continuing to develop their fun independently.
In all societies there are a series of religious customs that are almost mandatory, even if you are not a believer, such as celebrating Christmas. Some families, for example, also exert pressure for marriages to be religious or to perform baptisms.
Abandoning habits such as tobacco, alcohol or unhealthy food by the imposition of a doctor is another example of heteronomous decisions, even if they are for the individual's own good..
Whether due to financial need, family pressure or social prestige, sometimes a person continues in a job that they do not like against their will.
Individuals are forced to obey orders contrary to their ideas when issued by an established power. It can be the case of a soldier, an employee of a company or a student of an educational center.
Do not divorce or break up with a sentimental partner for fear of the reaction of the family and the repercussions that this action could have.
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