In-Depth Exploration of the Evolution of the Concept of "Autonomy" in Different Fields

The term "autonomy" originates from Greek, initially referring to the self-governance of city-states. As time has progressed, its meaning has continuously evolved, and today it has new interpretations in fields such as artificial intelligence, decentralized autonomous organizations ( DAO ), and autonomous worlds.

In the field of artificial intelligence, "autonomy" refers to a system's ability to perform tasks without human intervention. Autonomous agents not only understand user intentions and execute them, but may also possess capabilities such as digital identity and autonomous financial management. The encrypted network may become the infrastructure for AI to achieve high-level autonomy in the future.

There are different understandings of "autonomy" in a DAO. The Ethereum white paper initially defined it as relying entirely on smart contract code for automatic operation. However, in reality, most DAOs still require human involvement. Some opinions suggest that DAOs should gradually reduce reliance on humans, ultimately achieving fully automated operation.

"Autonomous World" is an emerging concept that refers to a blockchain underlying world with strict narrative boundaries, formally introduced rules, and operates independently of specific individuals. The appeal of such a world lies in its objectivity, where the actions of participants can become objective facts of the world.

The meaning of "autonomy" is still evolving. It touches on the profound issues within human civilization, far beyond the scope of this article. Some thoughts even question whether humanity truly possesses autonomy or is bound by rules of a higher dimension. We pursue autonomy, but whether we can truly break through the established laws of the universe remains a question worth pondering.