Paternalistic deception

Paternalistic deception is deception that is apparently performed for the deceived individual's own good by a person assuming a paternalistic role, whether they are their actual parent or not.^[1] It is justified by the good it attempts to produce towards the deceived individual's well-being.^[2]

An example of paternalistic deception would be a doctor telling a parent that their child is doing well, even though they know that they are going to die. The doctor acted paternalistically to spare the parent's feelings.

Issues[]

If the deceived individual could judge, would they consent to being deceived? This leads those acting paternalistically to defend their actions against their deception that it was therefore in the deceived individual's best interest.
If the deceived individual discovers they have been lied to, problems may go unsolved and unnecessary resentments may linger, whether it was done in their best interest or not.^[3]

References[]

^ Gert, Bernard; Culver, Charles M. (Autumn 1976). "Paternalistic Behavior". Philosophy and Public Affairs. Princeton University Press. 6 (1): 45–57. JSTOR 2265061. PMID 11661344.(subscription required)
^ Piker, Andy (22 February 2010). "Kant, Autonomy, and Paternalism". PHIL 3340. Texas A&M University. Archived from the original on 11 July 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
^ Stanlick, Nancy. "Paternalistic Lies outline". University of Central Florida. Archived from the original on 10 June 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2012.

Paternalistic deception

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