Toward Autonomy: The Importance of Critical Thinking and Choice Making

Piaget's (1948/1973) conceptualization of autonomy as the aim of education is discussed in light of recent events in America. Autonomy in Piaget's theory is viewed not as the right to make decisions but the ability to decide, independent of reward and punishment, between right and wrong in the moral realm, and truth and falsehood in the intellectual realm. The need for educators to change their goals for children from conformity and obedience (heteronomy) to critical thinking and choice making (autonomy) is suggested.