Utilitarianism

John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was an English philosopher and economist well-known for his philosophical essays and books, which include “Utilitarianism” (1863), “On Liberty” (1859), and “The Subjection of Women” (1869). Mill’s father, James Mill, was also a well-known English philosopher. Mill’s father provided Mill with a robust education in philosophy, history, economy, and other topics. Through his father, Mill first became acquainted with the ideas of Jeremy Bentham, who was a close friend of James Mill. Bentham’s belief in the greatest happiness principle significantly influenced Mill and led to his support of the philosophy of utilitarianism. Mill eventually wrote the essay “Utilitarianism” in defense of utilitarianism in 1863, seeking to address a number of major criticisms and popular misunderstandings of the moral philosophy. Mill was also involved in politics, and he was a Member of Parliament representing England’s Liberal Party. 

Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) was an English philosopher who is widely considered to be one of the founders of the moral philosophy of utilitarianism. Bentham first outlined the ideas of utilitarianism in his book An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, which was published in 1789. At the core of Bentham’s philosophy is what he called the “greatest happiness principle” (117), which Mill discusses in “Utilitarianism.