Legal / ethical (week4)

Question 1

What are two philosophical concepts related to restricting consumer choice?

Answer 1

Autonomy and Paternalism

Question 2

Autonomy

Answer 2

“Self government”, being in control of what we choose to do and how we choose to do it, acting independently, exercising free will, valuable to us, gives us a sense of purpose, contributes to the authenticity of our lived experience

Question 3

Paternalism

Answer 3

The interference of a state, an individual, or a corporation with another person against their will, defended or motivated by a claim that the person interfered with will be better off or protected from harm, a complex concept

Question 4

What words are associated with autonomy?

Answer 4

Trust, Freedom, Control, Independence, Self-governance

Question 5

What is autonomy not?

Answer 5

It is not absolute freedom to do whatever you like. It is not something to be extended to everyone. It is not a moral “trump card.”

Question 6

Threats to Autonomy

Answer 6

War, conflicts, and disasters, laws and social norms, personal circumstances, coercion, and misrepresentation

Question 7

According to Kant, why are lying and coercion morally wrong?

Answer 7

They undermine the autonomy of the person being lied to or coerced.

Question 8

Autonomy in business

Answer 8

Corporate autonomy can be restricted by dysfunctional partnerships, demonstrated through the Mattel Toys product recall in 2007 where suppliers faced the “choice” of breaking regulations or bankruptcy

Question 9

Hard paternalism

Answer 9

Restricting someone’s action for their own good even if they know that they are making a choice that will harm them

Question 10

Soft paternalism

Answer 10

Restricting someone’s action for their own good only if we cannot know whether they are aware that they are making a choice that will harm them or if we think they are mistaken or irrational.