On Liberty ( Harm Principle )

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On Liberty: Chapter 1 ( Harm Principle ) John Stuart Mill In On Liberty, Mill introduces his basic argument in favor of respecting liberty; to the extent it does not harm anybody else. Mill argues that the only time individuals or society as a whole can interfere with individual liberty is for self-protection. Mill states that the argument that a certain law or public opinion might be for an individual's own good or welfare doesn’t meet the needs in justifying that law or public opinion become a coercive force. Coercion is only acceptable when an individual poses a threat to others. It is fine to argue with a person about his actions, but not to force him. The harm principle basically narrows down to the state having the power to coerce a person only if it can thereby prevent harm to others. I think this principle depends crucially on what we understand and agree on to what extent something or someone can be “harmful”. If any sort of negative effect on a person may be considered as harm, the Harm Principle will fail in protecting individual liberty. Mill claims it is not all things considered harmful but rather ones that are the most serious. A majority may attempt to oppress a minority. The power of public opinion can be more effective to individuality and a law could be. Mill claims that there must also be protection for people against the prevailing public opinions, and the tendency of society to impose its values on others. Mill writes that if a person causes harm to others actively or inactively, it is appropriate for society to condemn him legally or through strong
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