But surely, on Mill’s view it should up to the individual to decide on the risks and benefits? Well, no (so the argument goes) because when you get smashed up in a car accident, or brain damaged in a bike accident, the National Health Service - funded by tax payers - has to foot the bill. The law was changed, because of the carnage caused by car and bike accidents. What is wrong with that? There are actually two objections I can think of, neither of which is more prominent than the other.Īt one time the law in the UK did not require the wearing of seat belts in cars, or crash helmets on motorcycles. It is not up to others, it is up to me alone to decide what is in my own best interests, so long as I am the only one who suffers when things go wrong. So long as my actions do not hurt others, then I should be free to do things I enjoy, or which give meaning to my life, regardless of the risk to myself. Living together as responsible individuals in a free society means that we have to take care not to infringe upon others in a way that hurts them, or limits their freedom of action.Īt the same time, each individual is responsible for the actions that affect his or her own welfare. Mill’s Harm Principle is an essential component in his case in On Liberty (1859). His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.”Īny help with objections to the Harm Principle would be greatly appreciated to help me further understand the idea. What would be the most prominent objection to John Stuart Mill’s Harm Principle “he 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.
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