In Political Theory, which principle is reflected in the following li…

The correct answer is Option 4 - Harm principle

John Stuart Mill in his essay On Liberty stated an important principle related to constraints and Freedom. In the discussions in political theory, it is called the ‘harm principle’. Let us quote his statement and then try to explain it:

. ...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 civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.

Mill introduces here an important distinction. He distinguishes between ‘self-regarding’ actions, i.e., those actions that have consequences only for the individual actor and nobody else, and ‘other regarding’ actions, i.e., those actions that also have consequences for others. He argues that with respect to actions or choices that affect only one’s self, self-regarding actions, the state (or any other external authority) has no business to interfere. Or put in simple language it would be: ‘That’s my business, I’ll do what I like’, or ‘How does it concern you, if it does not affect you?’ In contrast, with respect to actions that have consequences for others, actions which may cause harm to them, there is some case for external interference. After all if your actions cause me harm then surely I must be saved from such harm by some external authority? In this case it is the state which can constrain a person from acting in a way that causes harm to someone else. However, as freedom is at the core of human society, is so crucial for a dignified human life, it should only be constrained in special circumstances. The ‘harm caused’ must be ‘serious’. For minor harm, Mill recommends only social disapproval and not the force of law.