Question

Ethics Engineering

Generally which is easier to justify?

a.Strong paternalism

b. Weak paternalism

c. Both are equal

d. None of the above

Weak paternalism. The paternalist overrides the decision-making powers of the recipient when there is reason to believe the recipient
is not able to exercise her moral agency effectively.

Strong paternalism. The paternalist overrides the decision-making powers of the recipient, even when there is no reason to believe the recipient is not exercising his or her moral agency effectively.

Answer 1

Weak paternalism is much easier to justify.

Strong paternalism is just like a dictatorship rule where the paternalist forms his/her own opinion without considering any factors or reasons. It is a more aggressive approach which would lead to unfavourable results and feeling of insecurity between the team.  In this there could be a good chance that recipient was exercising his moral agency effectively but his decision powers were overrided because of strong paternalistic approach.

Where as in weak paternalism is quite a calm approach where all the factors or reasons are looked upon. The reasons are examined thoroughly and then the paternalist overrides the power of recipient. As all the factors are looked upon beforehand therefore it creates a sense of trust between the paternalist and recipient . It leads to a positive environment between the organisation or team. May be other team members or other people would learn from the reason and do not practise in future.

Hence weak paternalism is easier to justify.