What's harm?

So we have laws- and most laws are to avoid harm to humans. But where does harm end? Should it just be subjected to physical harm? Or emotional harm? Laws being applied to harm being caused emotionally are dangerous; you can't physically see the harm or measure it. Therefore that harm is subjective; the person decides if it harms them. But can we trust that it emotionally harmed them just because they say so- and should whoever harmed them emotionally be punished even if that wasn't their intent?

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Hosking · 26-30, M

Recently I broke off my engagement. I hurt her deeply on an emotional level. I knew we were wrong for each other and I acknowledge that she is deeply hurt by it.

I feel bad breaking her heart. I freed both of us from a life together that could have been horrific. There's a chance now for us to be happy with others.

Itsprincess · 22-25, F

@Hosking sorry to hear:/

SW-User

I feel this is where stalking laws and restraining orders come into effect, but they need some good evidence to prove.

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Itsprincess · 22-25, F

@Itsprincess actually na.. stalking is annoying without any physical harm and laws needed to stop it. But yea evidence is needed

SW-User

@Itsprincess Emotional trauma and fear of potential harm, too many times a stalker has upped their game and gotten thievery or violent or deadly.

Itsprincess · 22-25, F

@SW-User yeahh true true !

Quizzical · 46-50, M

And I thought I had missed philosophy hour tonight 😁

Itsprincess · 22-25, F

@Quizzical soz😬

Quizzical · 46-50, M

@Itsprincess lol

SW-User

this post harmed me. I demand you give me money in restitution.

Itsprincess · 22-25, F

Bruhhh😩 Someone call my lawyer yo @SW-User

ViciDraco · 36-40, M

I would say that harm leads to damage of the self and/or suffering. Thus, through the suffering angle harm is pretty broad and subjective. That being said, subjectivity is hard to legislate around. The problem here is not in the definition of harm. The problem is in the inherent complexity and subjectivity of real life versus trying to codify acceptable and unacceptable behavior in objective terms.

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Itsprincess · 22-25, F

@ViciDraco yeah good point! But I still don't think emotional harm is as bad as physical so shouldn't be treated like it is

ViciDraco · 36-40, M

@Itsprincess depends on the nature of emotional harm. Emotional harm, especially to children, can cause psychological damage that lasts deep into adulthood. This damage can be a catalyst for physically lashing out against others or for engaging in physical self harm. More mature individuals are certainly less impacted by this, making it a fairly youth specific concern.

Itsprincess · 22-25, F

Yeahh 😊

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