Single Idea 7211

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / a. Liberalism basics]

Full Idea

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others; his own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.

Gist of Idea

Prevention of harm to others is the only justification for exercising power over people

Source

John Stuart Mill (On Liberty [1857], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Mill,John Stuart: 'Utilitarianism (including On Liberty etc)', ed/tr. Warnock,Mary [Fontana 1962], p.135


A Reaction

This is the key idea in Mill's liberalism, though he goes on to offer some qualifications of this absolute prohibition. I don't disagree with this principle, but there may be a lot more indirect harm than we realise (eg. in allowing liberal sex or drugs).