Proposal: Considering the Right to Do Wrong [Jiyuu Research Institute]

The Jiyuu Research Institute (Representative Director: Tsutomu Matsuo), which conducts surveys and research on 'freedom', has focused on the concept of the 'right to do wrong' (Gukouken) and published a proposal summarizing its role in a free society. The right to do wrong is a concept originating from the British philosopher John Stuart Mill, meaning 'the right to perform an act, even if it is a foolish one, as long as it does not cause harm to others.' Although its recognition in Japan is low, it is actually a very familiar concept, and elements of this right can be seen in gaming, fandom activities (Oshikatsu), and so on. The right to do wrong plays an important role in connecting society and each of us individually, and it is a very suggestive concept when considering what freedom is. This time, the Jiyuu Research Institute has compiled a proposal on the right to do wrong along with the results of a questionnaire survey for the general public, considering the future state of a free society. ## https://j-liberty-lab.com/proposal-and-column/%e6%8f%90%e8%a8%80%ef%bc%9a%e6%84%9a%e8%a1%8c%e6%a8%a9%e3%82%92%e8%80%83%e3%81%88%e3%82%8b/ ## - The right to do wrong is a concept grounded by the 19th-century philosopher John Stuart Mill. Although recognition is low in Japan (less than 10% recognize the term according to the survey), familiar things like gaming, fandom activities, drinking, smoking, and snacking actually apply to the right to do wrong. - The right to do wrong has the characteristic of being easily exposed to strong social pressure and regulations by the state/government. The background for this includes that acts related to the right to do wrong are minority behaviors, making opposition to regulations less likely to occur, and the boundary with harm to others tends to become ambiguous due to historical context. In recent years, there have been actual cases of tattoo regulations. - Being aware of the right to do wrong and protecting it means drawing a line from a suffocating society where regulations and restrictions are rampant. To what extent the right to do wrong can be exercised in a certain society is a barometer (indicator) showing how free that society is. - The Jiyuu Research Institute proposes three perspectives regarding the right to do wrong to maintain a free society. 1. Recognition of the foolishness each person has: Realizing that everyone lives with foolishness and recognizing the possibility that regulations on the right to do wrong may one day turn towards oneself. 2. Dialogue between the majority and the minority: Creating a breakwater against regulations through dialogue between the majority and the minority. 3. Dissemination from the minority: The minority should also grasp the changes of the times and disseminate the significance of their own actions. - Recognizing the role the right to do wrong plays as a barometer of a free society and protecting each right to do wrong will shape the state of society.