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    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

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    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    Home/Original/inverse
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    Inverse View

    It is not the case that Mill argued in 'On Liberty' that paternalistic deference to wise authorities atrophies the individual's rational and moral faculties over time.

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
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    • 1.Accepting expert guidance in some domains (medicine, engineering) doesn't prevent reasoning development in others where autonomy remains.
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    • 2.Some individuals lack sufficient knowledge to reason well on complex issues; deference to expertise may better serve their interests than flawed self-determination.
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    • 3.Atrophy claim assumes linear relationship unproven empirically; people may develop moral faculties through non-autonomous channels like education and reflection.
      ?

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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Cognitive skills require practice; unused faculties atrophy like unused muscles, suggesting deference prevents moral reasoning development.
      ?

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    • 2.Historical evidence shows societies with paternalistic governance often exhibit lower civic engagement and critical thinking in subsequent generations.
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    • 3.Psychological autonomy research indicates individuals making their own decisions report greater sense of agency and moral confidence.
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