Utilitarianism – Ed. Bailey
  • Publication Date: July 25, 2016
  • ISBN: 9781554813155 / 1554813158
  • 112 pages; 5½" x 8½"

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Utilitarianism – Ed. Bailey

  • Publication Date: July 25, 2016
  • ISBN: 9781554813155 / 1554813158
  • 112 pages; 5½" x 8½"

Utilitarianism is a classic work of ethical theory, arguably the most persuasive and comprehensible presentation of this widely influential position. While he didn’t invent utilitarianism, John Stuart Mill offered its clearest expression and strongest defense, and he expanded the theory to account for the variety in quality that we find among pleasures and pains. The complete text of the 1871 edition is included, along with selections from Jeremy Bentham’s An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Andrew Bailey’s detailed introduction examines the context of Mill’s writing and offers guidelines on how to read the text accurately and critically.

Please note: Broadview offers two separate editions of Utilitarianism. The Heydt edition offers a substantial amount of appendix material, including excerpts from related works by Mill, precedents to Mill’s writing, and critical reactions to Utilitarianism, well-suited to an in-depth study of the text. The Bailey edition is shorter and slightly less expensive, and includes an introduction focused on Mill’s biography and contextual information for the student reader (as well as a single appendix from the writing of Jeremy Bentham).

Comments

“The world needs Mill’s vision as much as ever, and this fine student edition of one of his classic works should win a wide readership.” — Bart Schultz, University of Chicago

“Bailey’s introduction to this new edition of J.S. Mill’s acclaimed Utilitarianism is concise and elegant. It also succinctly highlights the significant charms of classical utilitarianism as well as the anxieties that continue to motivate its foes.” — D. Weinstein, Wake Forest University and Universität Oldenburg

“This is an especially valuable edition for introducing an eager student to Mill’s Utilitarianism. While the editor’s introduction is philosophically mature, and appropriately balances context, defense, and criticism, my highest praise of it is that I actually got goosebumps from the way in which Mill’s own voice explains his famous depression and recovery.” — Russell DiSilvestro, California State University Sacramento

Introduction

Who Was John Stuart Mill?
What Was Mill’s Overall Philosophical Project?
What is the Structure of This Reading?
Some Useful Background Information
Some Common Misconceptions
How Important and Influential Is This Work?
Suggestions for Critical Reflection
Suggestions for Further Reading

Utilitarianism

    Chapter 1: General Remarks
    Chapter 2: What Utilitarianism Is
    Chapter 3: Of the Ultimate Sanction of the Principle of Utility
    Chapter 4: Of What Sort of Proof the Principle of Utility is Susceptible
    Chapter 5: On the Connexion between Justice and Utility

Appendix: from Jeremy Bentham’s An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation

    Who Was Jeremy Bentham?
    Chapter 1: Of the Principle of Utility
    Chapter 4: Value of a Lot of Pleasure or Pain, How to Be Measured

Andrew Bailey is Professor of Philosophy and Associate Dean of Arts at the University of Guelph. He is editor of The Broadview Introduction to Philosophy.