Freedom of Choice

How much freedom of choice should be given at an individual level?

There are many scenarios throughout life of interactions with others, which involve some degree of option to offer others their freedom of choice on something which affects them, or to try to make the decision for them. This would commonly play out when someone assumes they know what is best for someone else, so they make the decision or hide the option from them. What is the most beneficial action to take in such situations? Reducing others' choices can of course be done for self benefit, but as that disregards the benefit of others, I’ll assume that is less beneficial overall as a sum (further hypothesis here; Greater Good). I’ll focus on and question more so, whether allowing others freedom of choice is better for them.

Trying to make a choice or force something on someone usually involves the assumption that the person is ineffective at making the choice themselves. This could be true, but regarding most other people throughout life, it is a big assumption which is very difficult to objectively be confident of. Most people likely believe that they know better than others in any situation, so without objective standards to prove either way, each perspective is subjective, and the most rational assumption is likely to consider a default of all individuals’ decision making ability to be equal. If someone does happen to believe that someone else can make the choice better than themselves, then they should be given that option to choose to allow the other to make or advise on the choice. 

Assuming the choice at hand mainly affects someone else, then by this default perspective, they should be considered equally capable. Besides the estimate of their capability to make the most beneficial choice for something which affects them, that which is considered to be most beneficial is also subjective. Everyone has different perspectives on what is most beneficial, so especially when the choice affects them, they are likely more capable of deciding what is beneficial for their subjective perspective. 

There are some situations where it could perhaps be more obvious that another individual is less capable of making a choice. This would mostly occur with animals, children, and someone mentaly incompasitated by drugs etc. Generally, the individual should have the basic ability to comprehend the factors involved in the decision, as I explained here; Choice. As the change from 1 end of any spectrum to the other is indistinct, there will likely always be individuals on the spectrum of decision making capability, that are difficult to estimate. As I described in this post, a; Best Guess is required for virtually any choice, including determining where an individual lies on the spectrum. 

Some scenarios involve indistinct, unnoticeable, or unobvious methods of choice. These subtle situations of disallowing others to make their own decisions can be well intentioned, but that doesn't mean it's the best option. For eg, white-lying or neglecting to tell someone relevant information in order to spare their feelings, is an assumption that you know what is best for them. It is holding back information which they can use to make a choice, and information that could easily actually be beneficial for them in the long run. More detail on the benefits of offering others full information, despite what might be difficult on their temporary emotions, here; Honing of Honesty.

As these benefits can go beyond the obvious direct effects of a choice, the process of making a choice itself, can also be a potential benefit for learning and building skills, as I further described in a post about governmental and societal aspects of free choice; Free- Be. To aid in their process of choice and potential to learn, suggestions and personal input should be an effective way to give them sufficient information, yet respect their freedom and perspective.

In any scenario of the option to allow someone else to choose something which affects them, or choose for them, giving them the benefit of the doubt to choose for themselves, seems to be an objective and fair method of respect. It’s a way of respecting them to have the ability to be independent and choose what is most beneficial to their subjective perspective. Rather than trying to do what might seem best for someone, perhaps what is best is offering them the; Freedom of Choice.