Synopses & Reviews
John Stuart Mill was the leading British philosopher of the 19th century and his famous essay Utilitarianism is the most influential statement of the philosophy of utilitarianism: that actions, laws, policies and institutions are to be evaluated by their utility or contribution to good or bad consequences. Henry West has written the most up-to-date and user-friendly introduction to utilitarianism available. The book serves as both a commentary to and interpretation of the text. It also defends Mill against his critics. An appendix reviews in detail the structure and arguments of Utilitarianism. This book is primarily intended as a textbook for students in philosophy assigned to read Utilitarianism but it should also prove helpful to students and professionals in other fields such as political science, history and economics.
Review
"The book will be particularly valuable to students interested in Mill's ethical theory. But it should be of interest to Mill scholars and to the general reader who wishes to understand the foundations of ethics." C.L. Ten, University of Singapore"Henry R. West's text is an excellent companion to John Stuart Mill's classic essay, Utilitarianism...I think West's introductory text is a success...I think it would make an excellent accompaniment for those interested in studying (or re-studying) Mill's Utilitarianism." Philosophy in Review"This is a splendid book. A valuable contribution to Mill scholarship in its own right, it should be especially useful to students both for the clarity of its exegesis and commentary and for the introductory chapters on Mill's life and his critique of a priori ethical theories." - Aran Canes and Staff, John Marshall, University of Virginia
Synopsis
Henry West has written the most up-to-date and user-friendly introduction to utilitarianism available.
Table of Contents
Introduction; 1. Mill's life and philosophical background; 2. Mill's criticism of alternative theories; 3. Qualities of pleasure; 4. Was Mill an act- or rule-utilitarian?; 5. Sanctions and moral motivation; 6. Mill's 'proof' of the principle of utility; 7. Utility and justice; Appendix. An overall view of Mill's Utilitarianism.