What principle suggests that individuals should be free to act freely as long as they do not harm others?

The principle that suggests individuals should have the freedom to act as they choose, provided their actions do not cause harm to others, is known as the Harm Principle. This concept is primarily associated with the philosopher John Stuart Mill, who articulated this idea in his work "On Liberty." The Harm Principle emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of individual freedoms within a society. It asserts that the only legitimate reason for restricting someone's freedom is to prevent harm to others.

This principle plays a crucial role in discussions about civil liberties, societal norms, and the limits of governmental authority, promoting a balance between individual rights and the welfare of the community. By prioritizing the prevention of harm, it seeks to create a framework where individuals are empowered to make choices while also being held accountable for the impact of those choices on others.

The other options, while related to concepts of freedom and ethics, do not specifically encapsulate this idea. Individual Liberty pertains more broadly to the notion of personal freedom without the specific restriction regarding harm to others. Utilitarianism focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number, which can sometimes justify sacrificing individual freedoms for perceived collective benefits. Free Will emphasizes the capacity for individuals to make choices without implying any responsibility for the outcomes on others.