John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was an English philosopher, political theorist, British civil servant, member of Parliament and a Utilitarian thinker. In his book On Liberty, John Stuart Mill advocates individual rights over majority rule. One key concept that's explored in On Liberty is the idea of "the harm principle."
Definition of The Harm Principle
The harm principle is the idea that “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.” According to this school of thought, a person can basically do anything he wishes, as long as his actions do not harm others. This belief system holds that, “Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.”
According to the harm principle, people should have individual liberty over the authority of society. Under this theory, individuals believe they should have the freedom to think as they please and one have his own opinions, even if they differ from the opinions of the vast majority in society.
It's also believed that individuals should have the freedom to pursue their interests and “tastes,” even if these interests are deemed “immoral” by society. According to the harm principle, people should have the freedom to unite into the groups of their choosing. John Stuart Mill believed that maintaining individual liberty over majority rule would be beneficial to everyone in society because individuals would not feel oppressed and society would not have to waste time, energy, and resources by enacting laws, policing people, and punishing people in an attempt to control them.
Analysis of The Harm Principle
The harm principle is against the “tyranny of the majority.” Single individuals and people in minority groups — whether they are minorities of race, gender, religious orientation, or class — should have the right to control their own choices and their own lives. Governments and people in the majority — regardless of how powerful they are — should not be allowed to exert control over minority groups or individuals. Also, for subscribers to this school of thought, the prevailing opinions or beliefs of the majority should not exert control over the opinions or beliefs of the minority because the majority opinion might be the "incorrect" opinion.
When discussing the harm principle, the question of "What constitutes 'harm?'” is often subject to debate. Some might consider “harm” to mean insulting one’s sensibilities. Harm might be defined as injuring another by being a bad example. For example, if a person harms him or herself by engaging in reckless acts and another person sees that and does the same, can the first person be held accountable for harming the second through his or her influence? Another criticism of this principle is that just as individuals should have the freedom to do as they please, others should have the freedom to criticize as they please.
The harm principle has been very influential in liberal political philosophy. It states that every individual should have the right to think, feel, act, express themselves, and organize into groups regardless of what the majority in society says so long as that individual does not harm others. Although there are some criticisms of exactly what "harm" means, John Stuart Mill strongly felt that individual liberty was very important.
Sources:
Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty, 4th Edition. London: Longman, Roberts & Green, 1869.
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