Product Description

One of the most important nineteenth-century schools of thought, Utilitarianism propounds the view that the value or rightness of an action rests in how well it promotes the welfare of those affected by it, aiming for ‘the greatest happiness of the greatest number’. Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) was the movement’s founder, as much a social reformer as a philosopher. His greatest interpreter, John Stuart Mill (1806-73), set out to humanize Bentham’s pragmatic Utilitarianism by balancing the claims of reason and the imagination, individuality and social well-being in essays such as ‘Bentham’, ‘Coleridge’ and, above all, Utilitarianism. The works by Bentham and Mill collected in this volume show the creation and development of a system of ethics that has had an enduring influence on moral philosophy and legislative policy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9362 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

About the Author
John Stuart Mill (1806 - 73) formed the Utilitarian Society which met to read and discuss essays. His works include On LIberty and Principles of Political Economy. Jeremy Bentham (1748 - 1832) set out to theorize a simple and equitable legal system. The law of utility, for which is best remembered, states that the goodness of a law can be measured in accordance with the measure in which it subserves the happiness of hte individual. Alan Ryan is Warden of New College, Oxford and is currently on sabbatical in Stanford. His other books include Property and Political Theory and Bertrand Russell: A Political Life.

Customer Reviews

Look beyond the seemingly boring exterior
As a student I am naturally skeptical to spending six pounds fifty on one purchase, but this has been worth it.

I enjoy mulling over Jurisprudence and philosophy and this book has made me aware of some of the most influential and famous legal models and philosophical views. But all credit should not go merely to Bentham and Mill, whose thoughts and analysis produced the backbone of the topic but also to Alan Ryan, whose incredibly well written introduction enlightened me to, and taught me a substantial part of, the concepts within the book. Ryan relates all the concepts and models to everyday situations which makes everything so digestible and understandable. The entire book is also less verbose and less wordy than I expected it to be.

All in all, a very good read for anybody interested in Jurisprudence, Philosophy or Law. Excellent read.