Mills' harm principle

John Stuart Mill's harm principle states that individuals should be free to act as they wish unless their actions cause harm to others. This principle emphasizes personal liberty while recognizing the need for social responsibility. According to Mill, the only justification for limiting someone's freedom is to prevent harm to others, not to protect people from themselves or to uphold societal norms. This idea advocates for a balance between individual rights and the well-being of the community, suggesting that personal choices should remain largely unhindered unless they directly impact the rights or safety of others.