Autonomy and its Definition
Autonomy is the ability to act according to our own interests and values. The word autonomy comes from the Greek word meaning "self-legislation" or "self-government". Autonomy is a key principle in contemporary political thought, as well as in bioethics. However, it is not always easy to define.
Challenges to Autonomy Development
In this view, autonomy is an outcome of the individual's development. It develops in a natural way, following a developmental trajectory. However, there are many factors that can impair the expression of autonomy, such as lack of resources, insecure attachment, emotional detachment, and insufficient social support. In addition, neurobiological deficits may inhibit autonomy development. Therefore, responsive parenting is vital to the development of autonomy.
Debate and Justification of Autonomy
Historically, the concept of autonomy has been debated in the context of many different social issues. The main debate is whether a person is able to make independent decisions. It has also been used to justify or criticize certain behaviors. For instance, a voter in an abusive relationship is considered to lack autonomy, as she is restricted by her environment and fear of ostracism.
Tension between Autonomy and External Control
In contrast, individuals with autonomy orientation seek situations that allow them to exercise their autonomy and use the information they have acquired to take action. The results of these studies show that individuals who possess this orientation are resilient, despite difficulties. As a result, the experience of autonomy is characterized by tension between the individual's choice and external control. This tension, which is felt when the individual must take an action, makes the individual feel stressed and anxious.
Challenges to Autonomy in Healthcare
Although the concept of autonomy has become a central feature in modern health care, there are still some challenges that may impede its full implementation. One of these is communication with patients. As a result, it is important to establish a good relationship between the patient and their health care practitioner. This is a vital element for respecting autonomy.
The Complexity of Autonomy
The definition of autonomy is complex. While it involves recognizing and respecting an individual's capacity to make decisions, it does not necessarily mean that their decisions will always be in their best interests. As a result, it is not always easy to determine what constitutes autonomy. Despite this, it is a fundamental human right and duty to respect the autonomy of others.
Autonomy in Individual Life
As previously mentioned, autonomous people want to express themselves and lead a unique life. They don't want the decisions of others to determine their choices. They want to live their lives their way. Those who are heteronomous prefer a more quiet life. This is why autonomous people need to have some kind of autonomy to express themselves and lead an individual life.
Autonomy in Religious Groups
The concept of autonomy is also used to describe the autonomy of religious groups. Historically, ecclesiastical autonomy has been an important issue in Western Christianity. While the Church of Rome exercised central control over the church, various archbishops and metropolitans fought against this and sought greater autonomy for their communities. Various Protestant denominations have also opted for autonomy. Some of these religious groups have their own laws and rules of government.
