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John Stuart Mills Harm Principle Help

Hello,

i have forgot what J.S Mills ' Harm principle ' was.

could somone explain it to me again.

and does anyone have any examples of this harm principle ?

Thank you for the Help !

Reply 1

Chelle-belle

Hi there,
It's pretty simple to Google, and this article does mention a lot of good points if you want to go into more detail: http://cw.routledge.com/textbooks/philosophy/downloads/a2/unit4/mill/MillHarm.pdf

But it's basically that actions shouldn't be prohibited or stopped unless they harm someone else, and is sometimes mentioned alongside Utilitarianism (where people came across the problem of, "Oh, but then stabbing someone might be okay then?")

Reply 2

mirandaandhector

"The only justification for interfering with the action of any member of a civilised community is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moal is not sufficient warrant."

Essentially, provided we do not cause harm to other people we can act as we choose (our self regarding actions are not covered by the principle) e.g an individual with no dependents has every right to drink himself into oblivion, provided that he does not become violent

This allows Mill to advocate "experiments of living" as offence does not count as harm.
e.g. it is acceptable for 2 consenting adults to engage in homosexual activity

The only general exceptions to the harm principle are children and "backward societies", as they have not yet necessarily gained the command of reason required to bst serve their interests