Paternalism and Consent

This chapter considers the relevance of consent to the justification of paternalism. As a general matter, A isn't acting paternalistically toward B if B consents to A's action. But what if B gives prior consent, as when a sober person tells a friend not to let him drive home if he is drunk? Contrary to the common view, it is argued that B's prior consent has no bearing on whether A is justified in interfering.