Utilitarianism - Softcover

Mill, John Stuart

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1453857524 ISBN 13: 9781453857526

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2010

Synopsis

British philosopher John Stuart Mill approached ethical theory with a scientist's eye in his contributions to utilitarianism. Building upon the premise set forth by Jeremy Bentham, Mill subjected his own work to the scientific method and deep, incisive inquiry. Mill formulated utilitarianism on the "greatest-happiness principle." Under this principle, it is ethical only to act in such a way that will deliver the greatest amount of happiness to the greatest amount of people. The work outlines how Mill defines and orders higher and lower forms of happiness as well as stressing the importance of holding an objective perspective when determining the ethical status of an event. A must-read for anyone with an interest in ethical inquiry.

About this title

Review

Adding the selections from the Speech on Capital Punishment is an excellent idea. --Mark Migotti, University of Calgary

Book Description

Reissued in its corrected 1864 second edition, this work by the philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806–73) argues for a utilitarian theory of morality, refining Bentham's 'greatest happiness' principle and defending it from common criticisms. Mill's key discussion on the topic, it remains a fundamental text in ethics.

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1453857524
• ISBN 13: 9781453857526
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 70