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10 months ago in Legal Theory By Raghu

What’s the case for presuming people are competent?

In my research on institutional ethics, I keep encountering this principle presume competence but it's often asserted without rigorous justification. I want to understand whether this is primarily a Kantian respect-for-persons argument, a utilitarian efficiency claim, or something else entirely. I need the actual case so I can defend or critique it properly in my work.

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By Krirthi Answered 7 months ago

The strongest argument is autonomy and dignity. Presuming competence treats people as rights-holders, not subjects. It prevents discrimination based on diagnosis or disability. Crucially, competence isn't a global trait someone might lack capacity for complex financial decisions but still make valid choices about their own care. The presumption creates space for supported decision-making, where we help people exercise their autonomy rather than override it. It's not just kind; it's legally and ethically rigorous

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