Other-regarding actions
Topic: Political Theory: Freedom and Rights · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Freedom"
Meaning
In J.S. Mill's harm principle (On Liberty, 1859), other-regarding actions are actions that affect other people, not just the person acting. Mill held that power may be used against a person only to prevent harm to others. Even then, the force of law is justified only for serious harm to definite individuals. Minor harm deserves only social disapproval, not punishment.
Example
Playing loud music in a flat that disturbs neighbours is minor harm, so neighbours may complain but the state should not jail anyone. Smoking in public places affects other people's health, which is why India's COTPA 2003 restricts it. Critics note that the line between harming oneself and harming others is not always clear.
Don't confuse with
- Self-regarding actions: these affect only the person acting, so no authority may interfere with them at all.