Kant's Theory Of Autonomy

In this world we are all our own person. We make decisions based on our needs and wants primarily. This choice is demonstrating autonomy. Autonomy helps us as individuals live a life that we choose for the most part. The outcomes we face are based off decisions we choose. By giving us the right to be our own person helps us maintain some sort of social health whether good or bad. The generalized idea of autonomy developed by philosopher Immanuel Kant. According to Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy “Kant further developed the idea of moral autonomy as having authority over one’s actions. Rather than letting the principles by which we make decisions be determined by our political leaders, pastors, or society, Kant called upon the will

The former he called heteronomy; the latter autonomy” (Dryden, n.d,) But imagine a world without autonomy? Where we would have to say and live a life that we had no choice over. That in general sounds horrific. Although, some countries are just like that. Occasionally, I feel people take for granted the rights we have here in the U.S. There is not too much research I found on this topic. But I happened to stumble across an article which I found very interesting. This statement the author made is something everyone should live by “Choose your company wisely. Be relentless with surrounding yourself with those who bring out the best in you. Your direction in life depends on it. And while you're at it, have the courage to be a good friend to those who choose you”(Chan, 2011). Our life depends on who we associate with. If one chooses to have friends who have been in and out of jail chances are they may turn down that path. We only have one life to live, why waste it? I think that question can only be answered on an individual level.

As individuals we are more powerful than I truly think we comprehend. Yes, I feel our powerfulness and willpower comes from the people we surround ourselves with. To

My advice is to keep positive individuals around you so the good vibes rub off. Do you think you ever take away your own sense of autonomy? Yes. Actually, I feel at some point in our life we take away our sense of autonomy. It can be either long term or short term. I think it depends on the situation honestly. There are cases in life where it is better we give up our rights to speak for ourselves etc. An example of this may be when someone has a court case. We give permission to the lawyer to speak on behalf of us and to make decisions for us. I am sure there are times when it may be beneficial to take a back seat and not speak up. But I do not feel we give up our sense of autonomy on purpose. Autonomy and romantic relationships can be another paper in itself. When it comes to romantic relationships we trust the other individual.

Therefore, they get to have inputs on what activities or events etc we may attend or do for example. When it comes to long term or life decisions such as purchasing houses, cars, paying bills etc. I feel this only applies to married couples though. For when two individuals