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Single Idea 7211
[filed under theme 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 Ref
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).
The
25 ideas
with the same theme
[founding ideas of liberal politics]:
21064
|
A lawful civil state must embody freedom, equality and independence for its members
[Kant]
|
7211
|
Prevention of harm to others is the only justification for exercising power over people
[Mill]
|
23036
|
The good is identified by the capacities of its participants
[Green,TH, by Muirhead]
|
22872
|
Liberals aim to allow individuals to realise their capacities
[Dewey]
|
23170
|
Liberal opinions are tentative rather than dogmatic, and are always responsive to new evidence
[Russell]
|
23171
|
Empiricism is ethically superior, because dogmatism favours persecution and hatred
[Russell]
|
23172
|
Empiricist Liberalism is the only view for someone who favours scientific evidence and happiness
[Russell]
|
23859
|
True democracy is the subordination of society to the individual
[Weil]
|
23522
|
In an organised society all actions have some effect on other people
[Hart,HLA]
|
15669
|
People endorse equality, universality and inclusiveness, just by their communicative practices
[Habermas, by Finlayson]
|
21008
|
Liberalism does not need a comprehensive account of value
[Nussbaum]
|
23390
|
In a liberal democracy all subjects of authority have a right to determine the authority
[Kymlicka]
|
22862
|
Liberals take people as they are, and take their preferences to be their interests
[Lukes]
|
22808
|
Liberalism is minimal government, or individual rights, or equality
[Avineri/De-Shalit]
|
23081
|
Liberal basics are pluralism, freedom, rights, equality, and distributive justice - for autonomy
[Kekes]
|
7593
|
Liberals focus on universal human freedom, natural rights, and tolerance
[Scruton, by PG]
|
22261
|
Liberals say rights always come first, and justice is neutral on social values
[Sandel]
|
21905
|
Liberal theory starts from the governed, not from the governor
[May]
|
21117
|
Liberal citizens have a moral requirement to respect freedom and equality
[Shorten]
|
22835
|
Liberals value freedom and equality, but the society itself must decide on its values
[Charvet]
|
23128
|
The opposite of liberalism is dogmatism
[Gopnik]
|
23142
|
People are fallible, so liberalism tries to distribute power
[Gopnik]
|
23143
|
Liberals have tried very hard to build a conscience into their institutions
[Gopnik]
|
22602
|
Over several centuries a set of eight main liberal values was established
[Dunt]
|
24158
|
Liberalism wants separate powers, press freedom, independence and rule of law, and rights
[Hutton]
|