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autonomy

aw-TON-uh-mee /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/

nounC1GRESATGMAT

academiclegalpolitical

The right or condition of self-government; in medicine, the right of a patient to make their own informed decisions about their care.

In a medical context, autonomy specifically refers to the patient's capacity to act intentionally, with understanding, and without controlling influences.

The story behind the word. The word originally described the self-governing status of Greek city-states. It wasn't until the 18th-century Enlightenment, particularly through Kant, that it became a central term for individual moral freedom.

Word relationships

self-determination: Self-determination is often used in a political or psychological context, whereas autonomy is the standard term in ethics and law.

paternalism: Paternalism involves making decisions for others 'for their own good,' which is the direct opposite of respecting their autonomy.

Commonly confused with

freedom: Freedom is the general ability to act; autonomy is the specific right to govern oneself by one's own laws or reasons.

Word family

autonomous (adjective): Acting independently or having the freedom to do so.
autonomously (adverb): In a way that is independent and self-governing.

Collocations

patient autonomy
respect for autonomy
bodily autonomy

Example sentences

"Respecting a patient's autonomy means allowing them to refuse life-saving treatment if they are of sound mind." Patient rights in a hospital setting.
"Autonomy is the capacity to deliberate and to give oneself the moral law." A classic philosophical definition.

Memory hook

An 'Auto' (self) 'Nom' (law) is someone who makes their own rules. Self-law.

When not to use

Avoid using it to mean simple 'independence' in a casual sense, like living in one's own apartment.

Fun facts

In the 19th century, 'autonomy' was used almost exclusively for politics; its use in medicine only exploded after the 1970s.