The harm principle states the only legitimate reason to exercise power over a person is to prevent harm to others. What concept is this?

• A. Paternalism
• B. Autonomy
• C. Diminished Autonomy
• D. Harm Principle

Answer: (D)

The harm principle holds that the legitimate use of power over an individual is only to prevent harm to others, not to prevent self-harm or to enforce moral or personal preferences. This view emphasizes liberty and restricts coercive actions to situations where one person’s conduct could directly injure another. In practice, it justifies public health or legal measures only when there’s a clear risk of harm to others, rather than intervening to protect someone from their own choices. It contrasts with paternalism, which intervenes for the person’s own good, and with autonomy, which is the right to self-rule. The concept described here is the harm principle.