Law, Liberty, and the Limits of Selfhood

Is the state justified in protecting individuals from themselves? This paper advances philosophical conversations around the interlinked nature of selfhood and the law, proposing that the self ought to be understood not as an isolated concept, but rather as a series of narratives deeply connected to the communities around us. From this conception of selfhood that is advanced, an analysis of the relationship between individuals, government and the community is put forth, culminating in the consideration of questions surrounding 'consent of the governed.' This paper contributes to the literature on selfhood and the scope of the law by putting political philosophers in conversation with one-another and with decisions made in courthouses over the past century. While ultimately arguing that the state does have a right to protect individuals from themselves in certain cases, it provides a more grounded justification for doing so and calls for a re-evaluation of current policy to ensure it adheres to the principles laid forth.