BF190 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Jeremy Bentham, Harm Principle, On Liberty
Document Summary
~ believed we could all become better versions of ourselves. ~ brought into the world to be a prodigy/genius, adult created him into a product of his. Meant to continue the legacy of someone else. ~ utilitarian - the greatest good for the greatest number of people. ~ focused that the people with minority (those who thought and acted differently) had protection. ~ at what point can the state legitimately act or impose itself to hinder the citizens. State has no right unless one is harming themself. One key principle - the harm principle - as long as no harm is done to another, freedom of absolutely anything must be respected. ~ believed that no one but the individual can determine what the good life is. ~ challenges to the tyranny of the majority. Constant battle between individual freedom and collective equality. ~ progress is possible - government responsibility to ensure individual freedom.
