F. Limitations on Freedom (From On Liberty and Principles of Political Economy)
We are not to harm others in the process of expressing our freedom.
1. We are not free to lie, murder, rape or steal.
2. Drunkenness, idleness, gambling, and fornication cease to be self-regarding actions if we have distinct obligations toward others, for example toward members of our family or toward an employer. Whenever, through express promises or conduct, we create expectations and calculations seriously affecting the lives of others, we are subsequently obligated to take their interests into account and must not regard what we then do as self-regarding actions.
3. We are obligated to avoid actions by which we would clearly become a burden to others.
4. Where we enjoy societies protection, we cannot on the grounds of “individual freedom” evade out social obligations, such as contributing to the common defense or testifying in court.
5. We are obligated to avoid harm to others by coming to the aid of the defenseless and by saving the lives of those in danger, unless we have reason to believe that some greater harm would ensue from our engaging in such actions.
6. The principle of avoidance0of-harm-to-others also applies to cases where we may presume to act in others’ behalf on the grounds that their interests are identical with our own. On this point, Mill specifically mentions dominance over wives and children as instances where there may be an unwarranted claim to individual freedom.
