Question

What is an example of government coercion that would clearly violate the Harm Principle?

A) Mandatory vaccination to prevent the spread of a deadly disease
B) Implementing traffic laws to ensure public safety
C) Prohibiting hate speech to prevent social unrest
D) Taxation to fund public services

Answer 1

Prohibiting hate speech is an example of government coercion that would likely violate the Harm Principle because it can restrict free expression without directly preventing harm to others.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of government coercion that would clearly violate the Harm Principle is prohibiting hate speech to prevent social unrest (Choice C). The Harm Principle, as described by philosopher John Stuart Mill, is the idea that individuals are free to act as they wish unless their actions harm others.

The Harm Principle assumes that freedom encourages an experimentation and open dialogue that allows people to reject dangerous ideas. Additionally, situations where the government limits expression, such as through censorship or restricting the press, could be seen as violations of the principle, especially when measures go beyond what is necessary to prevent harm.