A definition for paternalism

Several definitions of paternalism from the contemporary literature are examined. These are all found to be more or less defective when tested against various counterexamples. An alternative definition is subsequently developed using two necessary conditions which taken together are considered sufficient to define paternalistic actions. Those conditions are (1) the paternalistic action is primarily intended to benefit the recipient, and (2) the recipient's consent or dissent is not a relevant consideration for the initiator.