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All 8 Flashcards — The harm principle
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Question
Mill's harm principle?
Answer
Society may limit an adult's liberty against their will only to prevent harm to others.
Question
Why isn't 'your own good' a sufficient warrant?
Answer
Mill says an adult is sovereign over their own body and mind; forcing them for their own benefit treats them like a child.
Question
'Over himself… the individual is sovereign' — meaning?
Answer
In matters that mainly concern only you, you have final authority; society may advise but not coerce.
Question
Self-regarding action?
Answer
One that mainly affects only the person doing it — Mill says it must be left free.
Question
Other-regarding action?
Answer
One that harms other people — the zone where the harm principle allows society to step in.
Question
Is causing offence 'harm' for Mill?
Answer
No — mere offence or disapproval isn't harm; a definite injury or broken duty to a specific person is.
Question
The hard case for the harm principle?
Answer
Almost nothing affects only you; Mill answers by distinguishing offence (not harm) from real injury (harm).
Question
What does the harm principle rule OUT?
Answer
Coercing an adult purely for their own good — society may persuade, never force, in self-regarding matters.
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Topic 10.12 hub
On Liberty — Mill
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