In: Operations Management
Try to outline a general principle covering when government should, and when government should not interfere with the freedom of the individual. This principle should cover not only restrictions on the sale of codeine but other similar interventions –eg taxing cigarettes, alcohol, sugar
A general principle covering when government should, and when government should not interfere with the freedom of the individual should be based on the tenets of individualism and liberty. In other words it should be based on the concept of liberalism. Value should be given on individualism and the fact that individual have rights should be recognized.
Government should recognize that individuals have rights by the virtue of being human beings and that these rights are above the discretion of the state or the government. Moreover these rights of an individual exist pre-politically and hence government should formulate its policies in such a manner that ensures that these rights of individuals are not stepped upon.
The rights should, however, be subjected to harm principle in the sense that individuals should have the freedom and liberty to do whatever they deem is appropriate as long as they do not harm anyone else in the process.