Penn Bioethics Seminar (PBS): "Paternalism, Autonomy, and Duties of Aid" - Sophie Gibert, PhD
12:00pm - 1:00pm • 3600 Civic Center Blvd., 8-304
2026-03-17 12:00:00 2026-03-17 13:00:00 America/New_York Penn Bioethics Seminar (PBS): "Paternalism, Autonomy, and Duties of Aid" - Sophie Gibert, PhD Paternalism, Autonomy, and Duties of Aid Sophie Gibert, PhD Assistant Professor, Legal Studies & Business Ethics Department Wharton School | University of Pennsylvania The standard philosophical account of paternalism, reflected in clinical practice, holds that paternalism is permissible when it is because the subject lacks the full protection of her non-interference rights. Gibert challenges this view and defends instead the Priority View: paternalism is permissible when and because our duty to help someone is strong enough not to be overridden by their claims against interference. Moreover, Gibert argues that paternalism toward non-autonomous subjects is easier to justify because it enhances their claim-rights to aid, not because it diminishes their rights against interference. In this way, duties of aid are prior to paternalistic permissions. Dr. Gibert's research is primarily in normative ethics and she writes on topics such as manipulation, paternalism, and autonomy. Dr. Gibert also writes about issues in bioethics, and co-hosts a bioethics podcast called Bio(un)ethical. Registration required; Streaming available via Zoom. 3600 Civic Center Blvd., 8-304 Penn Medical EthicsPaternalism, Autonomy, and Duties of Aid
Assistant Professor, Legal Studies & Business Ethics Department
Wharton School | University of Pennsylvania
The standard philosophical account of paternalism, reflected in clinical practice, holds that paternalism is permissible when it is because the subject lacks the full protection of her non-interference rights. Gibert challenges this view and defends instead the Priority View: paternalism is permissible when and because our duty to help someone is strong enough not to be overridden by their claims against interference. Moreover, Gibert argues that paternalism toward non-autonomous subjects is easier to justify because it enhances their claim-rights to aid, not because it diminishes their rights against interference. In this way, duties of aid are prior to paternalistic permissions.
Dr. Gibert's research is primarily in normative ethics and she writes on topics such as manipulation, paternalism, and autonomy. Dr. Gibert also writes about issues in bioethics, and co-hosts a bioethics podcast called Bio(un)ethical.
Registration required; Streaming available via Zoom.