The harm principle: how John Mill’s theory defines the extent of liberty

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)

Topic: GS4 – Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Context

● John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty introduces the harm principle, arguing that individual freedoms should only be restricted to prevent harm to others. ● His theory advocates for minimal state intervention in personal liberties while recognizing that some limitations on free speech may be justified to prevent societal harm.

 

Philosophical Foundation

• John Stuart Mill, a 19th-century philosopher, is known for his influential work, On Liberty.
• Mill’s theory is a cornerstone of libertarianism and utilitarianism.

Harm Principle

• Mill proposed that the only justification for exercising power over an individual, against their will, is to prevent harm to others.
• He distinguished between ‘self-regarding actions’ (affecting only the individual) and ‘other-regarding actions’ (affecting others or society).

Libertarian View on Freedom

• Mill argued for minimal state intervention in individual liberties.
• He believed that individual actions should not be restricted unless they cause harm to others.

Free Speech

• Mill supported complete freedom of thought and expression, arguing it is essential for societal progress.
• He believed that suppressing opinions, even if they are false, deprives society of the opportunity to test and strengthen its beliefs.

Limits of Free Speech

• While advocating for freedom, Mill acknowledged that speech could be limited if it incites harm or causes societal disruption.
• He cited examples where speech could justifiably be restricted, such as inciting violence against a specific group.

Relevance Today

• Mill’s theory continues to influence contemporary discussions on free speech and its limits.
• His harm principle is used to evaluate the balance between individual liberties and societal protection.

Practice Question:  Discuss John Stuart Mill’s harm principle as presented in On Liberty. How does this principle justify limitations on free speech, and what relevance does it hold in contemporary legal and ethical discussions on individual freedoms? (150 Words /10 marks)