The Perversion of Autonomy: The Proper Uses of Coercion and Constraints in a Liberal Society - Hardcover

In The Perversion of Autonomy Hastings Center authors Willard Gaylin and Bruce Jennings struggle with a central dilemma of our time, the balance in a liberal society between the autonomy of the individual against the responsibility of individuals toward the community at large. The toughest question is what level of autonomy should be sacrificed by individuals and groups for the sake of the greater good. Gaylin and Jennings argue against increased interference by the state in the day-to-day life of the family, instead pushing for the advancement of public policies that create a kind of "moral compass" in which a supportive environment is created for children when they are most open to learning the social value of self-discipline and rational decision making.

Willard Gaylin, M.D. is co-founder of The Hastings Center and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University.