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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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.

Itsprincess · 22-25, F

@ViciDraco yess, because everyone is different, what causes individuals emotional harm can be differ between people.

ViciDraco · 36-40, M

@Itsprincess which is in turn why laws against emotional abuse and verbal bullying are so far behind their physical counterparts. That being said, proper use of neuroscience and adequate access to professionals would help to make emotional harm more measurable, even granted the differing subjective nature of separate people.

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 😊