1. Paternalism vs. Autonomy: Define ‘paternalism’ as follows:
Paternalism: Overriding, restricting, or interfering with someone’s freedom,
autonomy, or decision for their own good (or the good of others).
The government commonly restricts our freedom in order to promote the good. Some
examples of this include the following:
(1) Drivers are required to wear seatbelts.
(2) Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets.
(3) Certain harmful drugs are illegal.
(4) Gambling is illegal in most places.
(5) Contracts where a victim “consents” to being killed are invalid.
(6) Contracts where a victim “consents” to slavery are invalid.
(7) The water supply is filled with flourides.
(8) Certain practices (driving, medicine, law) require licenses.
(9) Taxation is mandatory.
(10) Murder, theft, rape, and so on are illegal.
Note that paternalism is ALWAYS in direct tension with autonomy.