Definition Of Harm Principle
The harm principle is a political idea that says people should be free to do what they want, as long as they do not hurt others. It is an important concept in libertarian politics. This principle is not about telling individuals what to do; instead, it is about limiting government control and laws that restrict personal freedom.
Harm Principle| Class 11 Polity Notes
The harm principle is generally explained as “your right to swing your fist ends where my nose begins.” In other words, people should be free to act as they wish as long as their actions do not cause harm to others. The harm principle is central to the political philosophy of liberalism. It values individual rights and the personal liberty of the citizens. According to philosopher John Stuart Mill, “The 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.”
In this article, we are going to discuss the Harm Principle in detail.