<!-- generated: provider=openrouter model=arcee-ai/trinity-large-preview:free date=2026-02-19 source=book-4-chapter-05 -->

# Economic Autonomy

# Definition

The degree of freedom granted to economic actors to make decisions about
production, exchange, and investment without external interference or
coercion from government authorities or other controlling entities.

## Source Chapter

Book IV, Chapter 5

## Context

Smith advocates for maximum economic autonomy consistent with systemic
stability, arguing that individuals are best positioned to make decisions
about their own economic interests.

## Economic Domain

General Theory

---
