The new book, Against Autonomy: Justifying Coercive Paternalism, by Assistant Professor of Philosophy Sarah Conly, has been described as “novel,” “illuminating” and “provocative” in the New York Review of Books. The New York Times reaffirms that Conly’s book brings “serious philosophical discussion” to the debate on autonomy versus paternalism. Conly’s argument is particularly relevant in light of the uproar over Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ban on large sodas in New York City. Watch Associate Professor of Philosophy Larry Simon interview Conly about her book and why she thinks paternalism is a reasonable government response to some of our bad decisions.

Bowdoin Philosophy Professor Argues for Greater Paternalism from Bowdoin College on Vimeo.