Defining autonomy
the quality or state of being self-governing
self-directing freedom and especially moral independence
the doctrine that the individual human will is or ought to be governed only by its own principles
Individual autonomy is an idea that is generally understood to refer to the capacity to be one’s own person, to live one’s life according to reasons and motives that are taken as one’s own and not the product of manipulative or distorting external forces, to be in this way independent
– Christman, John, “Autonomy in Moral and Political Philosophy”, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = <https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/autonomy-moral/>.
Even though humans need to feel like they are connected to others and belong in a community, we also need to be distinct from others, be self-directed, and feel free.
What is an autonomy need
The autonomy need is a psychological need for personal freedom, agency in your own personal values, and to be self-directed. In this article I will describe the aspects that make up the human brain’s drive for autonomy.
Personal freedom
Having personal freedom and choice prevents communities from being cults (not healthy for our needs). We need to make our own choices and follow our own paths, being capable of managing things ourselves.
Self-direction
Capability
Accessibility
Humans can only be autonomous if competence is accessible and they are capable of being self-determined. Putting things in place to allow less able humans (through development, ability, infirmity etc) to be self-determined as far as possible provides them with autonomy and therefore meets a fundamental need. Another fundamentally important part of autonomy is consent. Humans need to have authority over what happens to them, especially when it comes to their body.
Personal agency
Values
Morals
Beliefs
Self-expression
Distinct personality
Autonomy associated words
- Control
- Choice
- Capability
- Access
- Boundaries
- Consent
- Self
- Individuality
- Freedom
- Self-direction
- Privacy
- Personal
- Flexibility
- Authenticity
- Morals
- Values
- Principles
- Governing
- Integrity
- Independence
- Distinct
- Imagination
- Authority
- Determination
- Pace
- Dignity
- Agency
- Equality
Words related to autonomy dysregulation
- Pressured
- Intimidated
- Manipulated
- Commanded
- Frustrated
- Demanded
- Avoidant
- Resistent
- Trapped
- Annoyed
- Rushed
- Out of control
- Controlled
- Instructed
- Reminded
- Expected
- Directed
- Managed
- Helpless
- Hassled
