Single Idea 23528

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 5. Freedom of lifestyle]

Full Idea

Recognition of individual liberty as a value involves, as a minimum, acceptance of the principle that the individual may do what he wants, even if others are distressed when the learn what it is that he does.

Gist of Idea

The value of liberty allows freedom of action, even if that distresses other people

Source

H.L.A. Hart (Law,Liberty and Morality [1963], II 'Private')

Book Reference

Hart,H.L.A.: 'Law,Liberty and Morality' [OUP 1968], p.47


A Reaction

He notes that there could be other reasons to block the freedom, such as harm done. This idea seems to identify a key component of liberalism - that we must all tolerate actions which we dislike.