Reading #1_Response

1. I found this passage very interesting because it challenges the idea that being autonomous means putting yourself first or avoiding dependence on other people. I think that in reality, relationships based on trust, loyalty, and care can be an important part of making meaningful decisions. I think we sometimes treat independence as a sign of strength while viewing needing or caring for other people as a weakness. This passage suggests that those relationships can actually support a persons ability to make choices and live according to their values. 

"Being an autonomous person is not so much about having authentic values, but about having 'the power to determine how [one] shall live' (Oshana, 1998, p. 82) (Lee 7)."

1. This passage resonated with me because it makes a distinction between being able to make a decision and actually having meaningful control over your life. Someone might actually believe that they're making their own choices, but outside circumstances can seriously limit what choices are realistically available to them. I think it's an important part of autonomy because just saying that someone is "free to choose" ignores the social and environmental factors that can influence their options. To me, autonomy needs not only just having your own preferences but also having enough freedom and opportunities to act on them. 

"who we are and how we identify ourselves is never a practice that is achieved alone(Lee 4)."

1. This passage also resonates with me because I usually think of autonomy as being independent and making decisions on my own. But this article made me rethink that definition. A lot of who we become is influenced by our relationships, experiences, and the people near us. That doesn't necessarily make our choices less our own. But the relationship we have can help us understand ourselves and make decisions about what we want. I like the idea that being connected to other people does not mean gives up autonomy.