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Single Idea 4010

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism ]

Full Idea

In mature utilitarianism , the stress on modern freedom emerges in the rejection of paternalism.

Clarification

'Paternalism' means making other people's decisions without consulting them

Gist of Idea

In later utilitarianism the modern stress on freedom leads to the rejection of paternalism

Source

Charles Taylor (Sources of the Self [1989], §3.3)

Book Ref

Taylor,Charles: 'Sources of the Self' [CUP 1992], p.82


A Reaction

This seems good; it is the beginnings of a rejection of paternalism. What is better, happiness or freedom? What is the value of freedom?


The 9 ideas from 'Sources of the Self'

Consistency presupposes intrinsic description [Taylor,C]
Selfhood and moral values are inextricably intertwined [Taylor,C]
To have respect for people, you must feel their claims, or their injustices, or hold them in awe [Taylor,C]
I can only be aware of myself as a person who changes by means of my personal history [Taylor,C]
Nominalists defended the sovereignty of God against the idea of natural existing good and evil [Taylor,C]
In later utilitarianism the modern stress on freedom leads to the rejection of paternalism [Taylor,C]
My aim is to map the connections between our sense of self and our moral understanding [Taylor,C]
The modern self has disengaged reason, self-exploration, and personal commitment [Taylor,C]
Willingness to risk life was the constitutive quality of the man of honour [Taylor,C]