Type of Document Master's Thesis Author Sacha, James Cullen URN etd-04142007-201857 Title FATHER KNOWS BEST: A CRITIQUE OF JOEL FEINBERG’S SOFT PATERNALISM Degree Master of Arts Department Philosophy Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title Andrew Altman Committee Chair Peter Lindsay Committee Member Timothy Renick Committee Member Keywords
- Aristotle
- Aquinas
- John Stuart Mill
- Joel Feinberg
- Soft paternalism
- Hard Paternalism
- Paternalism
Date of Defense 2007-03-30 Availability unrestricted Abstract This thesis focuses on the issue of whether or not the government is ever justified in prohibiting the actions of an individual who is harming herself but not others. I first analyze some of the key historical figures in the paternalism debate and argue that these accounts fail to adequately meet the needs of a modern, pluralistic society. Then, I analyze and critique the nuanced, soft-paternalist strategy put forth by Joel Feinberg. Finally, I defend a version of hard paternalism, arguing that a balancing strategy that examines each action on a case-by-case basis shows all citizens equal, and adequate concern and respect.Files
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