star wars - How is the Jedi mind trick not a dark side technique?

How is the Jedi Mind Trick not a Dark Side technique? Isn't tricking another person's mind unethical? How can the Jedi use it and not become Dark?

Answer

Specifically focusing on the ability of the Jedi to alter the minds of others, the main principle is that this power (as with all Jedi powers) should only be used sparingly, with discipline and only for the accomplishment of the greater good.

The officially licensed "The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force" offers this advice to potential Jedi knights:

Affect mind, commonly referred to as the “Jedi mind trick”; can override the impulses of an undisciplined brain. This ability should be a temporary means to accomplish a greater good. It should never be used for profit or gain.

Alter abilities can be used to heal others, but also to injure. Both are Jedi abilities, though the latter must be used sparingly because the po-tential for abuse is so great. Among the Sith, Force injure was used without reservation to kill others from a distance.

The "Jedi Vs Sith : Essential Guide to the Force" also offers this advice (edited for brevity and clarity)

While it can be most useful in conflict resolution, affect mind must be used with restraint, almost always as a last resort, after exhausting less dangerous avenues that lead to peace. Yes, less dangerous, say I, for the power can easily cause permanent damage to a relatively innocent subject.

I need not lecture that you are responsible for your decisions and actions. How-ever, I will remind you that any course will leave a wake, and that even the smallest ripple can cause death. I also will remind you that you have yet to resolve that problem with the guard.

Before you answer, consider this: While the guard may prove to be an obstacle on your mission. he is also a living being. He may not be menacing by nature, merely an employee or servant. He may have a family, others who care about him. Had you met him under different circumstances. you might have discovered him to be a friend and ally.