Which principle asserts that all individuals should have the freedom to act as long as they do not harm others?

The principle that asserts all individuals should have the freedom to act as long as they do not harm others is rooted in the philosophy of John Stuart Mill's harm principle. This principle emphasizes the importance of individual liberty while simultaneously recognizing the necessity of limiting that freedom when it poses harm to others. Mill argued that the only justification for restricting an individual's freedom is to prevent harm to other people, thus fostering a balance between personal liberty and social responsibility.

While utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness and the greatest good for the greatest number, it does not inherently prioritize individual liberties in the same way. Libertarianism advocates for minimal government intervention and maximum personal freedom, but it does not encapsulate the nuanced view that Mill expressed regarding the conditions under which liberties can be restricted. Social liberalism generally promotes individual rights and social justice, but it may allow for more government intervention in individuals' freedoms to achieve social equality, which diverges from the strict interpretation of Mill’s principle. Therefore, the choice referencing Mill’s harm principle accurately reflects the idea that freedom should come with the caveat of not causing harm to others.