Paternalism: To What Extent Should the Government Interfere With Our Liberties?

As California residents, we have been stricken with the restriction of not holding a cell phone while operating an automobile. Recently passed legislation has forced us to use a hands-free device while driving if we want to avoid a fine. Personally, I just don’t allow any phones in my car because I don’t want to risk an encounter with any law enforcement officials, especially the LAPD. I wonder if Mr. Rodney King was stopped for holding his cellphone.

The aforementioned paragraph concerning the cell phone law is an example of Paternalism. In a very general way paternalism can be
understood as: the interference of an individual’s liberties warranted by the intention to increase good. In other words: restriction of
one’s liberties for their own good. The cellphone law is interesting because we can see how this law can increase the welfare of those
whose liberties have been taken away (victims of legislative coercion), and those who do not fall into that group i.e., pedestrians.
This law is justified by arguing that automobile accidents caused by holding a cell phone will be reduced. In short,
restricting the liberty of one particular group will serve to benefit multiple groups.

This is just a small facet of Paternalism. We are affected by many more paternalistic motivated laws and policies. Should we worry
about these laws encroaching on our liberties? After all, a state enacts these laws for our own good; they say its in the interest of citizen.

Come to the Philosophy club meeting to talk about this topic in more depth.

Points to consider:

• Should anti-drug laws exist?

• Are anti-marijuana laws motivated by paternalism? If they are, then what good does the prohibition of marijuana incur for an individual?

• Do city curfews on minors cause more harm than they actually is supposed
  to prevent it?

• Do you think legislators use paternalism as a way to disguise less moral motivations?

• What’s the difference between” Pure Paternalism” and “Impure Paternalism?

Where / When: Thursday 04/08/10, 11:15 by the clock tower.