Mills Harm Principle
John Stuart Mills famous work, On Liberty, has been widely regarded as one of the most influential books on individual sovereignty and civil liberties. Written in 1859, the book was a response to an era dominated by the absolute authority of monarchs, and its timeless themes linger on today in modern politics and debates. One of Mills most important ideas was his concept of the harm principle, which advances the idea that individuals should be able to do whatever they want so long as they do not harm other people.
The harm principle can generally be stated in its most basic form, which is that each individual should claim freedom to act as he wills, provided he does not infringe on the rights of other persons or interfere with their interests. Mills most important argument is that a free, enlightened and progressive society is not achieved through strict laws and governmental controls, but through embracing the principle of individual freedom and allowing people to fully express themselves so long as those expression do not interfere with the rights of others. According to Mill, the only purpose of government should be to protect citizens from physical or mental harm by others. The harm principle thus serves as a touchstone for which actions are legitimate for the government to regulate and which actions must be left to an individuals free will.
Mills harms principle is quite broad, and may be applied to a range of behaviors. For example, it could be used to argue that the government should not interfere with certain decisions made by individuals, such as whether to smoke, drink alcohol, or engage in risky activities without insurance. In other cases, it may be used to argue that the government should prevent certain activities, such as drug usage or violence. Whatever the case, Mills argument is rooted in the belief that rights of individuals should be respected and individuals should only be stopped from engaging in certain activities if they cause harm to other persons.
The harm principle established by Mill has long been influential in debates over civil liberties and regulations. While it may not provide a one-size-fits-all solution to moral and legal debates, it does provide a powerful tool for evaluating actions and for determining when a government regulation is appropriate. As Mill once famously wrote, Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign. Mills harm principle stands as a powerful defense of individual autonomy and as a reminder of why governments should approach regulations with caution.
