Victorian Political Ethics
On Liberty
John Stuart Mill • The Foundations of Individual Autonomy
THE HARM PRINCIPLE
Chapter I • Sec 9
"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."
The Five Chapters
From freedom of discussion to the rightful limits of state authority
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John Stuart Mill: On Liberty
Published 1859 • Project Gutenberg Public Domain Edition
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