heteronomy
[/ˌhetərˈɒnəmi/]
nounfemininepl: heteronomies
heteronomia
1. The state of being subject to external laws or rules; lack of self-governance or autonomy
The heteronomy of the colony meant that its laws were determined by the distant imperial power.
A heteronomia da colônia significava que suas leis eram determinadas pelo poder imperial distante.
2. In philosophy, especially Kantian ethics, the dependence of the will on external factors rather than on reason alone
Kant argued that moral actions based on desire represent heteronomy rather than true autonomy.
Kant argumentou que ações morais baseadas no desejo representam heteronomia em vez de verdadeira autonomia.
3. In linguistics and semiotics, the quality of signs whose meaning depends on external reference rather than internal structure
The heteronomy of natural languages contrasts with the autonomy of formal systems.
A heteronomia das línguas naturais contrasta com a autonomia dos sistemas formais.
The term 'heteronomy' is primarily used in academic and philosophical contexts in both Brazil and the United States. It gained prominence through Kantian philosophy and remains central to discussions of ethics, political philosophy, and autonomy. In Brazil, it appears frequently in university courses on philosophy and political theory. The concept is less common in everyday speech and is confined to intellectual and academic circles.
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