heteronomy

American  

[het-uh-ron-uh-mee] / ˌhɛt əˈrɒn ə mi /

noun

1. the condition of being under the domination of an outside authority, either human or divine.

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Etymology

Origin of heteronomy

First recorded in 1815–25; hetero- + -nomy

Example Sentences

One of its themes contrasts autonomy and heteronomy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

From it he derives his all-important distinction between religious "heteronomy," which is imposed upon the individual, and religious "autonomy," in which the individual continually seeks and hopes to find.

From Time Magazine Archive

I will therefore call this the principle of autonomy of the will, in contrast with every other which I accordingly reckon as heteronomy.

From Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals by Abbott, Thomas Kingsmill

If it is true that a condition of "heteronomy" always precedes that of "autonomy," then the outer sanction is the indispensable condition of the evolution of moral feelings.

From A Review of the Systems of Ethics Founded on the Theory of Evolution by Williams, C. M.

It shows itself, nevertheless, in their systems, as it always produces heteronomy of practical reason; and from this can never be derived a moral law giving universal commands.

From The Critique of Practical Reason by Abbott, Thomas Kingsmill