ABSTRACT
Despite the interdisciplinary on philosopher and universal scholar Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179), the fundamental topic of autonomy has been neglected so far. To address it in its full weight, this chapter examines how Hildegard develops the idea of a human’s will and free choice with reference to the term “autonomy” and “mutual dependency.” According to Hildegard, it is impossible to conceive humans as purely autonomous, i.e. self-sufficient and isolated beings. More specifically, humans are connected to one another and thereby exist in reference to others and not as ends in themselves. Consequently, human beings are not only responsible for their personal prosperity and happiness, but also for that of their fellow human beings, and the environment’s as well. This is the essential task of ecologically responsible human beings, who have the power to direct themselves and others with discretio. An autonomous, but dependent, human being is a rational being, one that has to make decisions and take responsibility. As a result, being autonomous means having freedom and, at the same time, the duty to make decisions in every situation based on the insights gained by speculatiua scientia, rationalitas, and discretio.
