Paternalism

Is it allowable for your government, or anyone else, to influence or coerce you 'for your own sake'? This is a question about paternalism, or interference with a person's liberty or autonomy with the intention of promoting their good or averting harm, which has created considerable controversy at least since John Stuart Mill's On Liberty. Mill famously decried paternalism of any kind, whether carried out by private individuals or the state. In this volume of new essays, leading moral, political and legal philosophers address how to define paternalism, its justification, and the implications for public policy, professional ethics and criminal law. So-called 'libertarian' or non-coercive paternalism receives considerable attention. The discussion addresses the nature of freedom and autonomy and the relation of individuals to law, policy and the state. The volume will interest a wide range of readers in political philosophy, public policy and the philosophy of law.

Author: Christian Coons
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 02/14/2013
Pages: 290
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 9.00h x 5.90w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781107691964

Review Citation(s):
Choice 01/01/2014

About the Author
Coons, Christian: - Christian Coons is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University.Weber, Michael: - Michael Weber is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Chair of Department at Bowling Green State University.