Utilitarianism

About this book

John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism is a philosophical treatise that opens with a sweeping survey of the long‑standing dispute over the “criterion of right and wrong.” Mill laments the slow progress of moral philosophy since antiquity, noting how thinkers from Socrates to Kant have wrestled with the foundations of ethics without reaching consensus. He frames the problem as one of finding a single, self‑evident principle that can guide moral judgment, contrasting the “intuitive” and “inductive” schools and arguing that even their opponents cannot ignore the influence of happiness on moral doctrine. From this broad historical backdrop, Mill moves toward a more focused exposition of the utilitarian or “greatest happiness” principle, promising to clarify its meaning and address common misunderstandings.

The work is written in the measured, argumentative prose of mid‑nineteenth‑century British philosophy. Mill’s style combines rigorous logical analysis with a concern for clear illustration, aiming to persuade both scholars and educated lay readers. Those who enjoy careful reasoning, historical context, and a systematic defense of a consequentialist ethic will find the book engaging, while readers seeking a concise, accessible overview of utilitarian thought will appreciate its disciplined yet readable approach.