Abstract
This chapter discusses the nature of autonomy in general and its relation to engineering specifically—personal, political, and professional autonomy, as well as similarities and differences between these forms of autonomy. The chapter begins with an exercise meant to introduce and draw out readers' intuitions concerning the natures of personal and professional autonomy and potential conflicts between them. It moves on to introduce the importance of autonomy within engineering, going on to explain personal and political autonomy in a general sense. On this basis—and in conjunction with the material from previous chapters—the nature and importance of professional autonomy is outlined, as well as the relation of professional autonomy to engineering practice and ethics. The chapter ends by returning to the previous exercise, asking readers to reconsider their initial responses in light of the material from this chapter.
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