Definitions

1. noun

A state of being governed by external authorities or rules, rather than internal principles or laws.

“The new law imposed a heteronomy on the local community, limiting their autonomy and freedoms.”

2. noun

A philosophical concept in which the will or actions of an individual are determined by external factors, rather than their own free will.

“The philosopher argued that human behavior is often a result of heteronomy, rather than pure self-determination.”