自律

• Reading: じりつ
• Romaji: jiritsu
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (ji) — self | 律 (ritsu) — rule, regulate
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.ɾi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Autonomy; self-regulation; the capacity to govern oneself or operate independently without external control.

Used in physiology (自律神経 — autonomic nervous system), robotics/AI (自律型ロボット — autonomous robot), and philosophy (moral autonomy, from Kant's Autonomie). Distinct from 自立 (jiritsu, self-reliance/independence), which focuses on practical independence, while 自律 emphasises internal regulation and self-governance.

Examples

1. 自律神経系は意識的なコントロールなしに心拍や消化などの生理機能を調整する。 The autonomic nervous system regulates physiological functions such as heart rate and digestion without conscious control.
2. 自律型ロボットは外部からの指示を必要とせず、周囲の状況を判断して行動できる。 Autonomous robots can assess their surroundings and act without requiring instructions from outside.
3. AIシステムに高度な自律性を持たせることは、安全面での倫理的課題を生む。 Endowing AI systems with a high degree of autonomy raises ethical challenges around safety.

Usage Guide

Context: physiology, robotics, AI, philosophy, ethics

Tone: technical

Origin & History

Compound of 自 (ji) meaning 'self' and 律 (ritsu) meaning 'rule, regulate'. The concept of self-regulation reflects both Kantian moral philosophy (introduced in Meiji) and later scientific usage.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Modern

Generation: Academics and technology professionals

Social background: Academic and technical