Explore Science-first Philosophy

STORY

Harm Principle

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Sun 9 Jun 2024
Published 2 years ago.
Updated 2 years ago.
Related Stories
Share :
The Harm Principle: on left, solitary acts; on right, group acts.

Harm Principle

Cause no harm.
In "On Liberty," pub. 1859.

30 Phil, Chapter 29, Mill, Touchstone 74: Harm Principle.

You’re free to do what you want, as long as you don’t harm others. It delineates between self-regarding and other-regarding actions as a basis for when societal intervention is justified. Self-regarding actions are those that primarily affect the individual who undertakes them. Other-regarding actions have broader social consequences, impacting others. 

— map / TST —

Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
Email
Print
TST Column
April 22, 2026
Column Research….
1. Timeline Story
Augustine of Hippo
2. Linked Quote
“In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary.”
3. Science FAQ »
Why do we overreact and escalate?
4. Philosophy FAQ »
How does TST Ethics handle the trolley problem?
5. Critical Thinking FAQ »
How do you prevent yourself from overreacting?
6. History FAQ!
What is the history of ethical war?
Bonus Deep-Dive Article
1 Goal: Flourish (TST Ethics)
Scroll to Top