Artikel

"Op uw gezondheid!": paternalisme in de publieke gezondheidszorg

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Samenvatting

In this paper I start from the recent emphasis on the principle of respect for individual autonomy in health care. This ‘triumph of autonomy’, as it is called, is fed by a moral resentment for paternalism. I argue that this emphasis on autonomy is both straightforward and ill suited in a context of dependence and vulnerability, and that the widespread condemnation of paternalism has two faces: a mild and tolerant kind, and a much harsher side that stresses individual responsibility. Then I turn to a conceptual analysis of paternalism and I argue that paternalism in public health care is a bit of a misnomer. Or, put differently, that the charges of paternalism only make sense if one starts from a highly atomized conception of individuals where the genuine problem is a lack of identification with the common good. I conclude that this deficiency is reflected in a narrow conception of autonomy that should make way for a richer and broader alternative.

Hoe citeren:

Thomas, N., (2007) “"Op uw gezondheid!": paternalisme in de publieke gezondheidszorg”, Ethiek en Maatschappij 10(2-3), 7–15. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/em.94440