Paternalism, health and public policy

Most of us would be outraged if doctors made decisions about our medical care without consulting us. Yet few object to public health policies that shape behaviour and restrict choice. Similarly, few people would argue with a parent’s right to override their children’s wishes and make healthcare decisions for them, or for carers to do so for people with disabilities.

What explains our different reactions to these cases? Should we be willing to allow this sort of interference when it comes to vulnerable people? Do children and people with cognitive disabilities have autonomy that can be respected, and would it be desirable to try to do this.

We will investigate the tension between the state’s duty to protect the health of its citizens and the worry that these policies take important decisions out of the hands of those most affected by them, undermining their autonomy and agency.