PHL 612 Lecture Notes - Libertarian Paternalism, Paternalism
Document Summary
Paternalistic action involves making decisions and acting on behalf of another person, without letting that person decide or choose for her/himself. Paternalism is motivated by benevolence, the wish to do good. Motivated by benevolence, the wish to do good. Types of paternalism: narrow (state), broad, pure, impure, soft, hard, weak, strong, Narrow paternalism: carried out through legal measures, and relies upon the coercive powers of the state. Broad paternalism: carried out by persuasion and other means. Pure paternalism: the intention is to benefit the individual whose autonomy is being restricted. Impure paternalism: to interfere with the liberty or autonomy of an individual in order to benefit others. Soft paternalism: justifies restrictions on liberty in cases where a person does not have full mental competence or not acting fully voluntarily. Hard paternalism: insists that it is justifiable to interfere with the autonomy of an adult who has full mental competence and is acting fully voluntarily.
