Benevolent Paternalism

Benevolent paternalism occurs when authorities or individuals make decisions for others, believing it’s in their best interest, similar to a caring parent guiding a child. While intended to protect or improve people's well-being, it can limit personal freedom and autonomy by assuming they know what’s best, even without full consent or input. This approach is often used in healthcare, government policies, or organizational rules, where the goal is to prevent harm or promote welfare, but it raises questions about respecting individual choices and independence.