In the modern world, such a concept as "autonomy" is often used. This word has Greek roots. Translated, it means "lawlessness." Autonomy is, more simply, the ability or ability of subjects to act in accordance with the principles established by them. 
Philosophical aspect
In this science, autonomy is such a principle of autonomy of existence, which is guided by its own conscience and reason. This definition was given in due time by Kant. Under this term in philosophy we understand the ability of a person acting as a moral subject to self-determine on the basis of his legislation. Autonomy is the opposite of heteronomy - the adoption of external behavioral norms without justification by their own thinking of their expediency. The need for independence was recognized in Greek philosophy by Socrates and Democritus.
It was also proclaimed as a universal principle of conduct by Luther, who opposed authoritarianism emanating from the Roman Catholic Church. From the ethical side, the problem of autonomy was comprehended by Hutcheson, Shaftesbury. In a theoretically consistent way, Kant dealt with it. Moral autonomy is a person’s freedom from the arbitrariness of social institutions, the dictates of fashion, power, the opinions of other people, accompanied by the preservation of human dignity and virtue, self-control of life's dangers and difficulties. 
Piaget Theory
The paired term "autonomy-heteronomy" was introduced into this science by J. Piaget. This definition was used to distinguish between adult and child behavior. Its mechanism is based on the contrast between childish infantile independence and dependence on the one hand and the apparent independence (or desire for it) of an adult. At the same time, Piaget pointed to the close interconnection and flow of heteronomy and autonomy. For example, neurotic dependence indicates a painful condition in which an adult (according to internal principles) must be independent, but he feels dependent.
Another explanation
After Piaget in 1963, Erickson introduced a complex definition of autonomy against doubt and shame. With this term he tried to accurately and in detail outline the second of the eight stages of human life that he formulated. In an approximate way, it corresponds to the anal stage of psychoanalysis in a classical form, in which (almost literally) control of the sphincter means the achievement of autonomy. 
Legal side
In this sense, autonomy rights can extend to corporations, classes, associations. These entities are given the opportunity to be guided by their rules and regulations within the established limits. In the theory of public administration, self-government is distinguished. It represents the implementation of the decentralization of state power in the form of consolidation by regulatory legal acts of certain capabilities of the administrative-territorial units of the state. In particular, these entities receive the opportunity and ability to determine public order on issues of local importance in specific areas on behalf of the population and on their own responsibility.
Together with self-government, that is, the equal rights of administrative-territorial sections, autonomy presupposes recognition of the rights to establish certain, possibly different from those established for other units, norms in some areas. For example, there is administrative autonomy. It involves the organization of public administration, as well as decision-making.National autonomy, in turn, provides for the implementation of special opportunities by ethnic groups. In the Middle Ages, the most diverse and quite extensive independent entities were spread, which to one degree or another violated state unity and the general legal system of countries. 
Autonomy of Russia
It is expressed in the independent implementation of state power by entities that are part of the country. Their management is carried out within the competence established by federal state bodies with the participation of the corresponding unit. The autonomy of Russia is formed along ethnic lines. This means that independence is formed in accordance with the characteristics of the groups that make up the population that lives in the country. Depending on the number of citizens, the level and prospects of economic development, as well as other significant factors, autonomous regions or districts are created. Moreover, the process takes into account the will of the population to form one or another entity or to change its existing form. For quite a long time, autonomy in Russia was realized in two forms. The first, state, was embodied in the form of a republic. The second, administrative, was presented as autonomous districts and regions.
