The use of individual autonomy as characterizing personhood is questioned. Two main elements in autonomy, namely (1) individual human rights and power and (2) independency are analyzed in relation to commonly-held ideas about the nature of personhood. It is shown that contradictions arise when autonomy is related to development in young children, one's own will, altruism, and self awareness through feedback. It is suggested that autonomy be used either sparingly or, preferably, not at all in relation to personhood.
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