ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that paternalistic interference is consistent with basic libertarian beliefs: Since libertarianism can allow interference in order to protect us from harm from others, it can allow it in order to protect us from ourselves. There are different forms of paternalism, some more plausible, to my mind, and some less plausible. Much of the libertarian opposition to laws that require us to help others seems to rest on the belief that such a requirement violates self-ownership, or autonomy, or some sort of inviolability of the person. Libertarians may, like anyone else, fear that paternalistic laws will be ill-crafted. The concern that paternalistic regulations might be misused is reasonable, and we have had experience of all of these unfortunate types of legislation. This, however, is a very distinct sort of objection to paternalism. It is no longer a principled objection but a practical one, based on fears that the implementation of paternalistic laws may be difficult to accomplish effectively.
