Paternalism: Theory and Practice - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 110702546X ISBN 13: 9781107025462

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2013

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Book Description:

Should the government influence or coerce us for our 'own good'? This volume explores how to apply an understanding of paternalism to public policy, professional ethics, criminal law and methodology in the social sciences. Of interest to scholars and graduate students in political philosophy, philosophy of law and political theory.

About the Author:

Christian Coons is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 110702546X
• ISBN 13: 9781107025462
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 292
• Editor: Coons Christian, Weber Michael