Educational reciprocity and developing autonomy: The social dimension of becoming oneself

Abstract

When we take a look at studies done on autonomy, in education and in training, we quickly realize that the idea is as ambiguous as it is hard to define. The ultimate in self-referentiality, in Gaston Pineau's formula, the very etymology of autonomy refers to the ability to define for oneself one's own laws. However, autonomy cannot be reduced to self-sufficiency; being autonomous does not simply mean getting by without others. In terms of education, Legendre actually defines it this way.