ABSTRACT
The first dimension of autonomy to be considered is self-definition. Self-definition is concerned with the extent to which the agent is self-governing within the role of personal identity; that is, it is concerned with the extent to which the agent's personal identity upholds its own commitments. An agent's personal identity is the cluster of features that make her who she is, and that connect her identity over time. In picking out the features of personal identity relevant for self-governance, it is important to be clear what people are looking for, and why: people are looking for features that exercise authority over the agent. The first kind of self-defining attitude to consider is a belief. Beliefs necessarily have a normative status. It is important, then, that beliefs carry with them commitments. If an agent is to be fully autonomous, her personal identity needs to uphold the commitments associated with her self-defining attitudes.
