All illness represents a state ofdiminished autonomy and therefore the doctor-patient relationship necessarily and justifiably involves a degree ofmedical paternalism argues the author, an American medical student. In a broadranging paper he discusses the concepts ofautonomy and paternalism in the context of the doctor-patient relationship. Given the necessary diminution ofautonomy which illnes...

If one accepts some paternalistic objectives, how should this shape policy? This paper addresses this issue by considering the trade-off that results when agents have superior information regarding their own situation and tastes but a paternalistic principal views agents’ tastes as as being biased. Applications include: savings behavior by hyperbolic discounting consumers, schooling choice by t...

Bill New's (1999) thoughtful paper has performed the valuable service of clarifying the meaning and the policy implications of paternalism. His careful formulation delimits the domain of justified state paternalism. Having argued successfully, in our view, for a narrow ambit, New proceeds to identify situations that justify paternalism. This comment is written in the spirit of a friendly reform...

The philosophical debate on paternalism is conducted as if the property of being paternalistic should be attributed to actions. Actions are typically deemed to be paternalistic if they amount to some kind of interference with a person and if the rationale for the action is the good of the person interfered with. This focus on actions obscures the normative issues involved. In particular, it mak...

OBJECTIVES 'Nanny-state' accusations can function as powerful rhetorical weapons against interventions intended to promote public health. Public health advocates often lack effective rebuttals to these criticisms. Nanny-state accusations are largely accusations of paternalism. They conjure up emotive concern about undue governmental interference undermining peoples' autonomy. But autonomy can b...

The contention that paternalism can be modernised in such a way as to avoid the usual criticisms is examined and dismissed. The alleged 'modernisation' consists simply in going through the motions of achieving the patient's free consent, while leaving the ultimate decision to the physician. Paternalism in this form is no better than the more old-fashioned variety, since it still takes away from...

Paternalism--coercive or deceptive interference in a citizen's life for his own good--is much in evidence in our policies regarding the aged. Some argue that paternalism is an unwarranted denial of individual liberty, ,for doubtful societal gain. Others contend that freedom has but instrumental value, and the aged cannot always use it effectively to aid in pursuit of their own happiness. The ph...