self-mastery

philosophy

Also known as: bodily autonomy, property in one’s person, self-ownership, self-propriety(Show More)

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July 16, 2026

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Self-mastery, in philosophy, refers to the power to control one's actions, impulses, and emotions. It is closely related to concepts like self-control, willpower, and self-discipline.1

In Western philosophy, particularly in the work of Immanuel Kant, autonomy is central to self-governance, emphasizing living according to one's own authentic reasons and values, free from external influences or even one's own desires.2

Eastern philosophies, such as those found in Indian philosophy, offer techniques for self-control and meditation. The Yoga-sutra outlines an eightfold path including ethical restraints and observances, aiming for a state of pure isolation and freedom.3

The concept of the ego in psychoanalytic theory, as described by Sigmund Freud, also relates to self-awareness and the executive functions of personality that mediate between internal drives and external reality. Moral virtues, as discussed by Aristotle, are cultivated excellences of character that guide actions toward a "golden mean" between extremes.45

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The Awakening
Context and analysis
Also called bodily autonomy, self-ownership was a key tenet of 19th-century feminism. It signified a woman’s right to have control over her own body and identity. So-called first-wave feminists argued that women could gain their freedom only by refusing to allow other people—namely, men—to exercise control over their bodies.…
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Also called bodily autonomy, self-ownership was a key tenet of 19th-century feminism. It signified a woman’s right to have control over her own body and identity. So-called first-wave feminists argued that women could gain their freedom only by refusing to allow other people—namely, men—to exercise control over their bodies.…
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libertarianism
Historical origins
… developed the concept of “self-mastery” (dominium)—later called “self-propriety,” “property in one’s person,” or “self-ownership”—and showed how it could be the foundation of a system of individual rights (see below Libertarian philosophy). In response to the growth of royal absolutism in early modern Europe, early libertarians, particularly those in the…
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… developed the concept of “self-mastery” (dominium)—later called “self-propriety,” “property in one’s person,” or “self-ownership”—and showed how it could be the foundation of a system of individual rights (see below Libertarian philosophy). In response to the growth of royal absolutism in early modern Europe, early libertarians, particularly those in the…
Read More