ABSTRACT
A central theme that runs through defences of the market is an anti-paternalistic one. Markets allow people to make their own choices in the consumption of goods and the shape of their lives. Critics of markets are liable to be accused of a variety of sins of paternalism and elitism, of believing that a few know better. This argument, if taken in a perfectionist direction, appeals to a second group of virtues that go up to make the autonomous character, those concerned with independence of judgement and action. The virtues are normally characterised through a contrast with those vices of heteronomy that involve an absence or abandonment of one’s own power of judgement and decision and a corresponding dependence on the authority of others. The autonomous person is not thus reliant on the authority of others. She is neither gullible nor deferential to authority, but displays proper suspicion of those who call upon her to act or believe on authority. The autonomous person is able to rely on her own understanding and decisions in shaping her life. She does not need the guidance of others.
