Overview
This volume includes the complete texts of two of John Stuart Mill¹s most important works, Utilitarianism and On Liberty, and selections from his other writings, including the complete text of his ³Remarks on Bentham¹s Philosophy.² The selection from Mill¹s ³A System of Logic² is of special relevance to the debate between those who read Mill as an Act-Utilitarian and those who interpret him as a Rule-Utilitarian.Also included are selections from the writings of Jeremy Bentham, founder of modern Utilitarianism and mentor (together with James Mill) of John Stuart Mill. Bentham¹s Principles of Morals and Legislation had important effects on political and legal reform in his own time and continues to provide insights for political theorists and philosophers of law. Seven chapters of Bentham¹s Principles are here in their entirety, together with a number of shorter selections, including one in which Bentham repudiates the slogan often used to characterize his philosophy: ³The Greatest Happiness of the Greatest Number.²
John Troyer¹s Introduction presents the central themes and arguments of Bentham and Mill and assesses their relevance to current discussions of Utilitarianism. The volume also provides indexes, a glossary, and notes.
Synopsis
The complete texts of two of John Stuart Mill's most important works, Utilitarianism and On Liberty, are presented here, along with selections from his other writings, including the complete text of his "Remarks on Bentham's Philosophy." Also included are selections from the writings of Jeremy Bentham, founder of modern Utilitarianism and Mill's mentor. An introduction by Troyer (philosophy, University of Connecticut) sets out central themes and arguments of Bentham and Mill and assesses their relevance to current discussions of Utilitarianism. There is no subject index. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR