Paternalism Flashcards
Lec 27
What is paternalism - lexical definitions?
acting in a benevolent way, as a parent or authority figure. restricting the freedom and responsibilities of subordinates or dependents in their supposed best interest. benevolent but sometimes obstructive conduct.
What is paternalism - conceptual clarifiaction?
the interference of a state or an individual with another person, against their will, and justified by a claim that the person interfered with will be better off or protected form harm. forcible or coercive interference with a persons liberty of action on the grounds you believe it to be justified in preventing harm to that person. restricting the freedom of others in their best interest.
What is strong/hard paternalism?
involves intervening to protect or benefit a person despite that person providing voluntary and informed consent to their decision. so intervening or restricting decisions of competent adults. so it’s har to justify hard paternalism because it often restricts autonomy unacceptably.
What is weak/soft paternalism?
interfering when a person is unable to make a decision in their own best interests, can be due to immaturity, ignorance, incapacity, or coercion. goal is to prevent ppl from harming themselves. assumes that on mature reflection the person will approve of the restrictions placed upon them.
What is onus of proof?
responsibility of proof. so what standard do we need to meet to act with paternalism.
What are the difficulties with strong paternalism?
argument from autonomy - paternalism never ok. arguments from relativism - fear that decision maker is imposing own moral values on others.
What are the difficulties with weak paternalism?
distinguishing of someone is incompetent, incorrect and uninformed is very difficult. requires facts not assumptions.
