Autonomous

Autonomous refers to the capacity to operate independently and make decisions without external control or influence. It is often used to describe entities, systems, or individuals that can self-govern and function autonomously. In various contexts, such as technology, biology, and philosophy, autonomy denotes the ability of an organism or machine to act based on its own principles, rules, or guidelines, rather than being directed by an outside force. The concept is vital in discussions about rights, agency, and self-determination, particularly in relation to ethics, governance, and artificial intelligence, where the level of autonomy can significantly impact decision-making processes and operational efficiency.