Mill on The Harm Principle

Question 1

The Harm Principle Quote

Answer 1

‘‘ the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign’.

(On Liberty, 1859)

Question 2

3 Elements of the Harm Principle

Answer 2

• Power can only exercised over people when they are going harm another
• You cannot act in a way that harms other. If you do, the government should step in
• You can consent to being harmed by another if the harm is not non-consensual.

Question 3

3 Liberties

Answer 3

(1) LIBERTY OF MIND
The ‘inward domain of consciousness; demanding liberty of conscience…liberty of thought and feeling; absolute freedom of opinion and sentiment on all subjects.

(2)
LIBERTY OF HARMLESS ACTION
‘liberty of tastes and pursuits; of framing the plan of our life to suit our own character; of doing as we like’ without harm to others.

(3) LIBERTY OF ASSEMBLY
Liberty ‘of combination among individuals; freedom to unite, for any purpose not involving harm to others’.

Question 4

LIBERTY OF MIND
Quote

Answer 4

The ‘inward domain of consciousness’

‘liberty of thought and feeling; absolute freedom of opinion and sentiment on all subjects.’

(On Liberty, Mill, 1859)

Question 5

LIBERTY OF OF HARMLESS ACTION

Answer 5

‘liberty of tastes and pursuits; of framing the plan of our life to suit our own character; of doing as we like’ (without harm to others.)

(On Liberty, Mill, 1859)

Question 6

LIBERTY OF ASSEMBLY

Answer 6

Liberty ‘of combination among individuals; freedom to unite, for any purpose not involving harm to others’.

Question 7

LIBERTY OF ASSEMBLY

Answer 7

Liberty ‘of combination among individuals; freedom to unite, for any purpose not involving harm to others’.

(On Liberty, Mill, 1859)