Autonomy within Constraints
The first principle of autonomous systems is that agency must be bounded. True autonomy is not "unlimited freedom"; it is the ability to achieve a goal within a set of specific constraints. These constraints include budget limits, legal compliance, and safety guardrails. An agent that cannot respect its boundaries is a liability.
Conclusion
Building autonomous systems is a responsibility that requires a principled approach. By prioritizing bounded autonomy, alignment, and transparency, we can create agents that enhance human capability without compromising our values.