In a recent article in this journal, Kowalik argues that compulsory vaccination unjustifiably infringes on the autonomy of vaccine refusers. While accepting Kowalik’s central premises, we argue that, when appropriately expanded in scope, autonomy considerations do not undermine the justifiability of compulsory vaccination. Vulnerable individuals—including the very old, the very young and those with compromised immune systems—face an omnipresent risk of contracting a potentially fatal vaccine-preventable illness and are thus prevented from accessing public goods by coercive pressure. Consequently, when we (...) consider an appropriately broad scope of autonomy constraints, autonomy considerations do not undermine the case for mandating vaccination. (shrink)

John Howard Whitehouse was a British educational and social reformer and the founder of Bembridge School on the Isle of Wight. George Peabody Gooch was a British historian and Liberal Party politician. Originally published in 1924, this book contains essays by Whitehouse and Gooch putting forward the case for an international perspective on education and educational policy, with particular emphasis placed upon links with the United States. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in educational theories (...) and the history of education. (shrink)