Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents a new interpretation of the principle of utility in moral and political theory based on the writings of the classical utilitarians from Hume to J.S. Mill. Discussion of utility in writers such as Adam Smith, William Paley and Jeremy Bentham is included.
Trade Review'Rosen offers a provocative thesis, particularly concerning Hume and Smith, which critics will certainly have to answer.' – Political Studies Review
'There is a lot of material in this book that anyone interested in utilitarianism would benefit from mulling over. It presents interesting perspectives on some traditional themes, and succeeds in clarifying ... a number of issues that I am sure will still be discussed in many years.' – Economics and Philosophy
Table of Contents1. IntroductionPart I 2. Utility and Justice: Epicurus and the Epicurean Tradition3. Reading Hume Backwards: Utility as the Foundation of Morals4. The Idea of Utility in Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments 5. Helvetius, the Scottish Enlightenment, and Bentham's Idea of Utility6. The Idea of Utility in Smith's Wealth of Nations 7. Bentham and Smith on Liberty8. William Paley as a Utilitarian9. Liberty, Utility, and the Reform of the Criminal Law10. J.S. Mill's Hedonism11. J.S. Mill on Justice and LibertyPart II 12. Punishment of the Innocent13. Individual Sacrifice and the Greatest Happiness14. The Tyranny of the Majority15. Negative Liberty
