POLSCI 1AA3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: On Liberty
30 Oct 2018
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A justification for liberty in thought and action: Mill"s questions: "the nature and limits of the power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual" That principle is, that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number is self-protection. 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. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant. " Premise: certain actions can be considered as individual and self-regarding. Certain actions can be considered as social and other regarding. To not harm the interests of other members of society. To perform a fair share in the defence of society (includes taxation and military service) These are areas where we can be legitimately coerced. But self-regarding actions should be the domain of individual freedom:
