The following text is about political philosophy.
John Stuart Mill's harm principle holds that the only legitimate reason for society to restrict individual liberty is to prevent harm to others. Mill argued that purely self-regarding actions—even foolish or self-destructive ones—should be beyond government interference. This principle has profoundly influenced liberal thought, though debates continue about what constitutes "harm" and whether any action is truly self-regarding. Critics note that seemingly private choices often have social consequences that might justify intervention.
According to the text, what was Mill's central argument?
Government should control all individual decisions
Liberty should be restricted only to prevent harm to others
All harmful behavior should be permitted
Self-destructive behavior should be punished
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text directly states Mill's harm principle: "the only legitimate reason for society to restrict individual liberty is to prevent harm to others."
- Evidence: Liberty restricted only to prevent harm to others.
- Reasoning: Self-regarding actions are off-limits for interference.
- Conclusion: Harm to others is the only justification for restriction.
Choice A is incorrect because Mill opposed extensive government control. Choice C is incorrect because harm to others justifies restriction. Choice D is incorrect because self-regarding actions should be left alone.