I think a more interesting question that comes from this is when we take it to a general level. How do we treat situations where we are certain that individuals are engaging in practices that are harmful to themselves? When do we think it’s okay to use whatever individual power we have to make them change their behavior or beliefs? When do we think it’s okay for the law to force people to do things “for their own good”?
Some examples:
-A friend is joining Scientology and is about to give them all their savings
-A 14 year old daughter is dating a 45 year old man, and certain they are “in love”.
-An acquaintance doesn’t want to use modern medicine. They also won’t let their kids use modern medicine.
-An adult relative who is somehow impaired (dementia, mental retardation, drug addiction) is being taken advantage of with their own consent, such that it is
Current laws are set up such that things like “engaging in sex work” or “smoking pot” are considered so harmful to the self that the police are allowed to arrest you for them. But denying your children modern medicine is fine, and giving all your money to a sex cult leader in the woods is also fine.
Meta: I feel like I am not framing this question well at all, and if anyone wants to reframe in a more elucidating manner that would be helpful.
Is the “denying medicine” thing actually legal? I thought it was a big deal that it wasn’t and Christian Scientists complained about it? (don’t have strong memories either way)
I think a more interesting question that comes from this is when we take it to a general level. How do we treat situations where we are certain that individuals are engaging in practices that are harmful to themselves? When do we think it’s okay to use whatever individual power we have to make them change their behavior or beliefs? When do we think it’s okay for the law to force people to do things “for their own good”?
Some examples:
-A friend is joining Scientology and is about to give them all their savings
-A 14 year old daughter is dating a 45 year old man, and certain they are “in love”.
-An acquaintance doesn’t want to use modern medicine. They also won’t let their kids use modern medicine.
-An adult relative who is somehow impaired (dementia, mental retardation, drug addiction) is being taken advantage of with their own consent, such that it is
Current laws are set up such that things like “engaging in sex work” or “smoking pot” are considered so harmful to the self that the police are allowed to arrest you for them. But denying your children modern medicine is fine, and giving all your money to a sex cult leader in the woods is also fine.
Meta: I feel like I am not framing this question well at all, and if anyone wants to reframe in a more elucidating manner that would be helpful.
Is the “denying medicine” thing actually legal? I thought it was a big deal that it wasn’t and Christian Scientists complained about it? (don’t have strong memories either way)