The phrase "autonomous individual" refers to a person who is independent, self-reliant, and makes their own decisions without much influence from others. It means they have the freedom to think and act for themselves. Full definition
In the economics mainstream, people are thought of as autonomous individuals who are driven by a desire to maximize their own levels of personal satisfaction. (triplecrisis.com)
Two autonomous individuals enter into a limited liability partnership that can easily be dissolved. (firstthings.com)
Furthermore, it is arrived at through the free consent of morally autonomous individuals. (firstthings.com)