Description
Book SynopsisUtilitarianism is a classic work of ethical theory, arguably the most persuasive and comprehensible presentation of this widely infl uential position. Mill argues that it is pleasure and pain that ought to guide our decision-making—and not the pleasure and pain of any one person or group, but the summative experience of all who are affected by our actions. While he didn’t invent utilitarianism, Mill offered its clearest expression and strongest defense, and expanded the theory to account for the variety in quality that we find among specifi c pleasures and pains. Today, Mill’s version of the “Greatest Happiness Principle” is a standard premise in many moral arguments within the academy and in practical ethical and political deliberation.
The complete text of the • edition of
Utilitarianism is presented here, with footnote annotations added to clarify unfamiliar references and terminology. A detailed introduction by the editor is divided into brief digestible parts discussing the context of the text and offering guidelines on how to read it accurately and critically. This edition has its origin in the acclaimed
Broadview Anthology of Social and Political Thought and adheres to the anthology’s format and high standard of accuracy and accessibility.
Trade Review“The world needs Mill’s vision as much as ever, and this fine student edition of one of his classic works should win a wide readership.” — Bart Schultz, University of Chicago
“Bailey’s introduction to this new edition of J.S. Mill’s acclaimed Utilitarianism is concise and elegant. It also succinctly highlights the significant charms of classical utilitarianism as well as the anxieties that continue to motivate its foes.” — D. Weinstein, Wake Forest University and Universität Oldenburg
“This is an especially valuable edition for introducing an eager student to Mill’s Utilitarianism. While the editor’s introduction is philosophically mature, and appropriately balances context, defense, and criticism, my highest praise of it is that I actually got goosebumps from the way in which Mill’s own voice explains his famous depression and recovery.” — Russell DiSilvestro, California State University Sacramento
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Who Was John Stuart Mill?
What Was Mill’s Overall Philosophical Project?
What is the Structure of This Reading?
Some Useful Background Information
Some Common Misconceptions
How Important and Influential Is This Work?
Suggestions for Critical Reflection
Suggestions for Further Reading
Utilitarianism- Chapter 1: General Remarks
Chapter 2: What Utilitarianism Is
Chapter 3: Of the Ultimate Sanction of the Principle of Utility
Chapter 4: Of What Sort of Proof the Principle of Utility is Susceptible
Chapter 5: On the Connexion between Justice and Utility
Appendix: from Jeremy Bentham’s
An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation- Who Was Jeremy Bentham?
Chapter 1: Of the Principle of Utility
Chapter 4: Value of a Lot of Pleasure or Pain, How to Be Measured
