An Introduction to Mill's Utilitarian Ethics

by Henry R. West

Overview

John Stuart Mill was the leading British philosopher of the nineteenth century and his famous essay Utilitarianism is the most influential statement of this philosophical approach. Henry West's introduction to utilitarianism serves as both a commentary to, and interpretation of, the text.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521535410
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/08/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	5.47(w) x 8.46(h) x 0.71(d)

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.

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher