The Classical Utilitarians: Bentham and Mill

This volume includes the complete texts of two of John Stuart Mill’s most important works, Utilitarianism and On Liberty, and selections from his other writings, including the complete text of his “Remarks on Bentham’s Philosophy.” The selection from Mill’s “A System of Logic” 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. Bentham’s 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 Bentham’s 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: “The Greatest Happiness of the Greatest Number.”

John Troyer’s 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.

Contents:

Introduction
A Note on the Texts

BENTHAM:

• Principles of Morals and Legislation, Ch. 1-2, 4, 8, 12, 14, & 17I
• Index for Principles of Morals and Legislation
• “On the Greatest Happiness of the Greatest Number”
• “On Push-Pin and Poetry”

MILL:

• Utilitarianism
• Index for Utilitarianism
• On Liberty
• Index for On Liberty
• A System of Logic, Bk. IV, Ch. xii
• “Remarks on Bentham's Philosophy”
• Excerpt from a letter to Henry Jones

Notes and Glossary
Bibliography

About the Author:

John Troyer is Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Connecticut.