COVID-19, State Intervention, and Confucian Paternalism

For many in the West, paternalism manifest as state interference carries a pejorative connotation, it is often taken to entail unjustified restrictions on autonomy and self-determination frequently believed precipitate bureaucracy, corruption, inefficiency. Meanwhile, uncritical deference policies which individual liberties remain essentially unchecked by oversight has faced renewed scrutiny since outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, across globe are now coming believe that we must accept greater governmental intervention our lives, particularly during times widespread health crises. This paper explores normative considerations justifying with respect public response pandemic through lens Confucian paternalism, distinguished from more general concept widely used contemporary philosophical discourse. It argues “soft” apropos Confucianism pragmatic benefits for development healthcare due not only morally warranted but even preferable alternatives terms safeguarding population health.