The Harm Principle in the 21st Century Essay - 3465 Words

The Harm Principle in the 21st Century I intend to reassess the main criticisms levelled against John Stuart Mills, Harm Principle. I will argue that his Principle has, with the benefit of hindsight, had a positive rather than negative influence upon society and given a framework within which citizens can be free to accept or reject options. I will show that, On Liberty is as significant today as when it was first published. Mills Harm Principle says that, other things being equal, we should be free from interference either by the state or an individual. Weve come to assume that a principle of freedom or liberty (both words are interchangeable here) is fundamental to our well being, so much so that, especially in The States, we†¦show more content†¦So for example the type of legal coercion which punishes murder by imprisonment is exempt. However probably the most controversial exemption in, On Liberty is Mills reference to backward states of society. In typical Victorian style, Mill refers to barbarians and says We may leave out of consideration those backward states of society in which the race itself may be considered as in its nonage. (Mill, John Stuart. Stefan Collini (ed.), On Liberty and Other Writings, (2000 edn), p.13.) Mill is referring here to societies so backward theyd hardly be capable of understanding the Harm Principle let alone responsibly applying it. The implication here is that society needs to recognize concepts like free discussion before it can achieve that level of education and understanding which enables it to benefit from The Harm Principle. Mill said his aim was, to assert one very simple principle, yet when considered in its totality his Principle is anything but simple, because On Liberty is concerned with, Isaiah Berlins later defined concept of Negative Liberty that is, freedom from interference. To quote Berlin, the freedom of which I speak is opportunity for action, rather than action itself. If, although I enjoy the right to walk through open doors, I prefer not to do so, but sit still and vegetate, I am not thereby rendered less free. Freedom is the opportunity to act, notShow MoreRelatedA Passion for the Planet Case Study1145 Words   |  5 Pagesand dislike working. Since Patagonia’s founder is very easy to get along with and can actually enjoy being next to, makes this company a step over others. 3. How does this case bring the profile of the 21st-century manager to life?Explain. Working for a company in the 21st-century is completely different than that of previous times. Managers of today have a whole new sense of managing a company. Instead of be the order giver or controller, they are the advocate or coach. Some others differencesRead MoreA Passion for the Planet786 Words   |  4 PagesPlanet Summary of the case study Patagonia Inc, which located at California, was seller outdoor clothing and equipment that has well reputation among others. 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