Use of the term
The term “self-determination” is used differently in different contexts. In sociology, self-determination describes the independence of the individual from any kind of external control, e.g. through social constraints or state violence. In psychology, on the other hand, the term refers to the ability to take responsibility for one’s own inner life. In philosophy, self-determination describes, for example, the independence of the individual from their own drives and desires1.
To summarize, the concept of self-determination refers to being able to make decisions about one’s personal life on one’s own responsibility and of one’s own free will.
But what meaning does this often-used term take on when it is broken down further?
The concept of self-determination is made up of two nouns, which can initially be considered separately from one another in an initial differentiation: “self” and “determination”.
The term “self” is also used inconsistently depending on the context. It is generally understood to refer to a person’s identity or individuality2. The self is seen as the center of the personality and reinforces or emphasizes the concept of the “I”.3 The self can be defined as the core of the personality, which exists independently of changing contents of consciousness or situations.4 Basically, the definitions refer to the personal, the subjective, the individual.
But is the self a self-evident part of the human being that has existed from the beginning?
Eckart Tolle writes: “When we are no longer obsessed with thinking but use our thinking, then we can experience our own true self. This self is not the personality we show to the outside world, our profession, our outward appearance or the roles we play in life. In other words, our true self is something that is naturally inherent to us, but which we have yet to discover, i.e. to really uncover”.
A first distinction is made here in the sense that the self does not only refer to the existing personality of the individual, but that the self describes something that is subject to a process.
The term “determination” can also refer to different focal points. In general and practical linguistic usage, determination is understood to mean making a decision. At the same time, however, the term can also be understood as being determined, as a calling. 5
Heinz Grill links this determination with the concept of the life mission, which is connected with the 6th center of consciousness, or cakra:
“Here in the head, and if you localize it physically, in this little tiny gland that sends out the most diverse hormones to the body, lies a mysterious mission, which can be called a life mission, or rather, here awaits a development process that wants to bring forth the essential qualities of life and moral values.” 6
The aspect of the development process should be emphasized here. The life mission is described as something moving, which, however, does not unfold arbitrarily, but whose development is oriented towards moral values. These moral values can in turn be associated with ideals. These also do not develop arbitrarily, but are linked to clear and logical thoughts that are consciously cultivated in the soul and can serve as inner orientation.
It is clear from the discussion of the term so far that both the self and purpose have something to do with movement and cannot be regarded as a self-contained unit.
At this point, it makes sense to take a closer look at this aspect and ask what movement, what activity could be behind these terms.
What precedes self-determination?
In order to lead a self-determined decision, a self-determined life, it is first necessary to make a good distinction between what is made out of the “self”, out of a conscious decision, a chosen ideal, and what is motivated by other, unconscious motives. These unconscious motives can in turn find an initial differentiation in the distinction between inside and outside:
Unconscious motives, which are absorbed and adapted unnoticed through external influences such as suggestions, manipulations or lies, shape certain beliefs and lead to identification with adopted formulas, which then unnoticed shape the individual’s thoughts, feelings and will. However, inner psychological processes such as habits, fears and other determinations that may have stood the test of time and convey a certain sense of security also influence consciousness. As a result, certain inner structures are reproduced again and again and make it difficult for the individual to engage in an unbiased, developmental process, which manifests itself, among other things, in the detachment from inherited patterns of thinking, feeling and behavior. This detachment from social and personal determinations is ultimately followed by a reorientation towards a freely chosen ideal, in which both a personal and a social, interpersonal value is seen.
The ability to discern can be understood as a mental quality that requires a differentiated development of the soul’s powers.
By developing these interrelated forces, which can be described as thinking, feeling and willing, it is possible to recognize old patterns and structures in a first step and consequently transform them. A chosen ideal, to which one wishes to orient oneself internally and also in social life, is an important prerequisite for noticing habits or manipulations, reflecting on them and then acting on this consciously chosen decision. The ideal thus serves as an inner orientation and enables the reorganization of the soul forces. In this way, life can increasingly be guided by consciousness and the ideal, which does not stop at personal development but is also implemented in social interaction and thus benefits humanity.
by Julija
Sources:
1https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Selbstbestimmung
2https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Selbst
3https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selbst
4https://www.spektrum.de/lexikon/psychologie/selbst/13845
5https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Bestimmung
6H. Grill, Cosmos and Man, Lammers Koll, 2015
