Our textbook defines paternalism as “the overriding of a person’s actions or decision- making for his own good.” It then introduces a distinction between ‘strong paternalism’ and ‘weak paternalism’. Strong paternalism “is the overriding of a person’s actions or choices even though he is substantially autonomous.” And weak paternalism “refers to paternalism directed at persons who cannot act autonomously or whose autonomy is greatly diminished—who may be, for example, dangerously psychotic, severely retarded, extremely depressed, or acutely addicted.” When, if ever, would a utilitarian support paternalism? Would a utilitarian ever support strong paternalism? Why or why not?
