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On Liberty
The question
Under what circumstances is it morally
legitimate for the state to intervene in a
persons life?
Paternalism: The state is justified in
intervening when intervention is needed to
benefit or prevent harm to people.
Anarchism: the state is never morally
legitimate in compelling people to act in
any way.
What is harm?
Physical harm
Property damage
Psychological harm?
Should the state intervene when a persons
mental state is harmed or if they are
offended? Example: death threats, sexual
harassment.
But what about offense? Public sex or
nudity. Garish lawn ornaments?