For what does ‘autonomy’, let alone, ‘respect for autonomy’ mean? This is a difficult question and limitations in space as well as in intellectual shrewdness prevent me from answering this question conclusively. However, autonomy basically means self-rule. It means that one is capable of being governed by rules, or laws, or principles one can identify with. These ‘laws’ should not necessarily be conceived as abstract imperatives, but could be the upshot of very personal commitments. On this account, these core values or commitments are expressed in some of the subject’s preferences, choices, or decisions; and such autonomous decisions deserve to be respected. Put differently, respect for autonomy means showing respect for those choices, decisions, or preferences that are appropriately rooted in a person’s value-system. To fail to show such respect is a deep violation because in disrespecting these choices, decisions, or preferences one discredits the entire person, one disrespects what she stands for, what she cares about, i.e., who she is (e.g., the Jehovah’s Witness refusal of a blood transfusion).
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 07:16:41 +0000
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