Goodin (Permissible Paternalism)

Settled Preferences

-When people are acting on a preference, is this preference settled, or is it merely a phase? -E.g., Euthanasia. We may think it is permissible, but we need to make sure that, when someone opts for euthanasia, it is a settled choice, based on settled preferences. -This is why some laws require that in order to perform physician-assisted suicide, the patient needs to request it twice, at least 15 days apart.

Your Own Preferences

Finally, we want to make sure that people are acting out of their own preferences. -If someone acts out of an interest or preference that was the result of hypnotic suggestion, then they are not acting out of their own interest or preference.

Relevant Preferences

We want to make sure that people are acting out of relevant interests or preferences. -That is, sometimes we think that something will be good for us in a certain way, but we're mistaken.

Weak Paternalism

It is permissible for the government to pass laws that interfere with its citizens choices as long as those choices are not made on the basis of its citizens' deeper preferences.

Strong Paternalism

It is permissible for the government to pass laws that promote the well-being of its citizens, even if doing so prevents people from performing actions that they want to do.

Preferred Preferences

Not only do we have preferences for certain things, we also have preferences for preferences. I have the interest in eating the fries I have the interest in eating the vegetables I have the preference that my interest in eating the vegetables wins over my interest in eating the fries.

Goodin's Position concerning when the government should refrain from paternalistic interference

Public officials should refrain from paternalistic interference only if they are convinced that you are acting on: 1) Relevant preferences 2) Settled preferences 3) Preferred preferences, and, perhaps 4) Your own preferences