Although it might seem obvious, it’s actually not that easy. The sticking point comes in trying to define what counts as harmful. But if you get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence, pass second-hand smoke onto other people, or become violent on certain drugs, then there’s good reason for the government to get involved. If you want to smoke, drink, or use drugs to excess, you should be free to do so. There’s no issue with actions that are harmful to the individual themselves. ![]() For this reason, the principle is often used in political debates to discuss the limitations of state power. On the other hand, “positive rights” demand that others do certain things for us, like provide healthcare or treat us with basic respect. For example, we have a negative right to not be assaulted. These are demands someone not do something to you. ![]() The phrase “Your freedom to swing your fist ends where my nose begins” captures the general sentiment of the principle, which is why it’s usually linked to the idea of “negative rights”. The harm principle is not designed to guide the actions of individuals but to restrict the scope of criminal law and government restrictions of personal liberty.įor Mill – and the many politicians, philosophers and legal theorists who have agreed with him – social disapproval or dislike (“mere offence”) for a person’s actions isn’t enough to justify intervention by government unless they actually harm or pose a significant threat to someone. ![]() The principle is a central tenet of the political philosophy known as liberalism and was first proposed by English philosopher John Stuart Mill. The harm principle says people should be free to act however they wish unless their actions cause harm to somebody else.
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