POLS 351 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Consumer Protection, Harm Principle, Paternalism

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Political Studies
• Course: POLS 351
• Professor: Margaret R Moore

Document Summary

Without the state, we would be in the state in nature that is so nasty, brutish, and short. 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. Each individual has an entitlement which they possess. Liberty rights not to be interfered with. The question that mill is asking is how much power the state should have. Mill believes in individual liberty but there is justified governmental action. Mill has to exercise authority in a way that leaves room for freedom. Different societies have answered this in many different ways. Argues that many societies have tried to issue censorship. You need one principle liberty principle/harm principle. Liberty principle would constrain the british government.