The paradox is this: people rightfully value liberty, but what is the optimal amount? If we have too much freedom to pursue our private interests, some individuals may end up harming others, making social life unstable and intolerable. So, we need laws to punish and deter harms, but which harms and however the concept of “harm” is defined, what is the optimal level of legal restraints? With too many restraints, our personal liberties might be crushed, defeating the purpose of a free society. The perennial question of political philosophy, then, is where should we draw the line between law and liberty? Different political theorists have drawn this crucial line in different ways, so how do we decide who is right? (To be continued …)