Abstract

This dissertation critically examines a selection of the historical and contemporary philosophical literature on paternalism. After abstracting elements of a macroanalysis of paternalism from Aristotle, Locke, Mill, and gleaning a microanalytical position from the recent literature, the paper develops a theory connecting paternalism to the professions. It is argued that the institutions through which the elite professions deliver their services are paternalistic institutions. It is further argued that the paternalism of these institutions helps anchor them in their current positions in society. In this position the professions create and camouflage ruling elites, buoy up the myth of meritocracy, and are the social agents of the control of dissent and deviancy. This analysis strongly suggests the need to reorganize human service delivery systems