Definition Of The Harm Principle

The harm principle says people should be free to act however they wish unless their actions cause harm to somebody else.

Definition of the harm principle. Mill s harm principle however justifies interference only in cases in which there would be harm to others. Also explored was the only circumstance in which mill believes freedom can be limited. To protect others from harm. 2 the harm principle was first fully articulated by the english thinker john stuart mill 1806 1873 in the first chapter of on liberty 1859 1 where he argued that.

John stuart mill articulated this principle in on liberty where he argued that 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 an equivalent was earlier stated in france s. The harm principle would require toleration of 1 competent self harm and self imposed risk 2 harm to consenting others and 3 read more. The principle is a central tenet of the political philosophy known as liberalism and was first proposed by english philosopher john stuart mill. John stuart mill a 19th.

In other words a person can do whatever he wants as long as his actions do not harm others. Through this the principle of harm by john stuart mill was explored through its definition in regards to liberty and its link to personal freedom. The harm principle states the main reason for laws that restrict man s natural rights is to prevent them from harming others. The belief that no one should be forcibly prevented from acting in any way he chooses provided his acts are not invasive of the free acts of others has become one of the basic principles of libertarian politics.

The harm principle states that the only actions that can be prevented are ones that create harm.