Proposal: Considering the Right to Folly [Jiyu Research Institute]

The Jiyu Research Institute (Representative Director: Tsutomu Matsuo), which conducts research on 'freedom,' has focused on the concept of the 'right to folly' and published a proposal summarizing its role in a free society.

The right to folly is a concept originating from the British thinker John Stuart Mill, meaning 'the right to engage in an act, even if it is foolish, as long as it does not harm others.' Although not widely recognized in Japan, it is actually a very familiar concept, and activities like gaming and 'oshi-katsu' (supporting a favorite idol or character) can be considered to have elements of the right to folly.

The right to folly plays an important role in connecting society and each individual, and it is a highly suggestive concept for thinking about what freedom truly is. In this proposal, the Jiyu Research Institute has summarized its recommendations regarding the right to folly, along with the results of a general public survey, to consider 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 folly is a concept established by the 19th-century thinker John Stuart Mill. While not widely recognized in Japan (less than 10% awareness in a survey), many familiar things like gaming, 'oshi-katsu,' drinking alcohol, smoking, and snacking actually fall under the right to folly.

・The right to folly is susceptible to strong societal pressure and regulation by the state or government. This is because acts exercising the right to folly are often minority behaviors, making opposition to regulation less likely, and the boundary with harm to others can become ambiguous due to historical context. Tattoo regulation in recent years is an example.

・Consciously recognizing and protecting the right to folly signifies a departure from a stifling society rife with regulations and restrictions. The extent to which the right to folly can be exercised in a society serves as a barometer (indicator) of how free that society is.

・The Jiyu Research Institute proposes three perspectives on the right to folly to maintain a free society: ① Recognition of individual folly: Each person should recognize that they possess foolishness and understand that regulations on the right to folly could one day be directed at themselves. ② Dialogue between the majority and minority: Building a bulwark against regulation through dialogue between the majority and minority. ③ Communication from the minority: The minority should also communicate the significance of their actions, capturing the changes of the times.

・Recognizing the role of the right to folly as a barometer of a free society, protecting each individual right to folly shapes the nature of society.