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Utilitarianism Books
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John Stuart Mill
Utilitarianism
"Utilitarianism" by John Stuart Mill is an essay written in 1861 that defends the ethical theory of utilitarianism. Mill argues that actions are right when they promote happiness and wrong when they produce the opposite. He refines earlier utilitarian ideas by distinguishing between higher intellectual pleasures and lower bodily ones, while addressing numerous criticisms of the theory. The work attempts to harmonize utilitarian principles with ordinary morality and show how traditional moral rules serve the greatest happiness.
Alfred C. Lyall
Studies in Literature and History
"Studies in Literature and History" by Sir Alfred C. Lyall is a collection of critical essays and reviews written in the early 20th century. The work encompasses discussions on various subjects primarily related to English literature and its historical context, while also reflecting on broader themes of society and cultural change during the time. As the title suggests, it aims to analyze the intersection of literature and historical development, offering valuable insights into literary forms and their evolution. The opening of this volume provides an introduction to its content and context, detailing Sir Alfred Lyall's selection process for the included articles, most of which engage with literary, historical, or religious themes rather than purely political or administrative topics concerning India, which Lyall often covered elsewhere. It highlights Lyall's observations on the development of English fiction, particularly the Novel of Adventure and the Novel of Manners, tracing their historical lineage and emphasizing changes in public taste and literary form over time. This opening establishes a foundation for readers to explore how literature evolves in response to societal shifts and influences, setting the tone for a reflective and analytical discourse throughout the collection.
John Stuart Mill
Socialism
"Socialism" by John Stuart Mill is a philosophical treatise that reflects on social and economic structures written in the late 19th century. In this work, Mill explores the implications and critiques of socialism, addressing how various systems of property and social organization can impact the public good and the welfare of the working class. The text serves to analyze key tenets of socialism and to discuss the interplay between existing institutions and potential reforms in social arrangements. At the start of the book, Mill outlines the historical context of political reform, emphasizing the rise of the working class and manhood suffrage as a significant shift in power dynamics. He argues that as these changes become established, new political ideas and doctrines will gain traction, particularly among the working classes who may challenge the existing order of private property. Mill sets the stage for a thorough examination of socialism by acknowledging the failings of current societal structures, particularly their inability to adequately provide for the impoverished. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for a discussion on whether existing principles of property and economics truly serve the greater good or if they perpetuate inequality and suffering, and he suggests this examination must be conducted without bias or prejudice.
John Stuart Blackie
Four Phases of Morals: Socrates, Aristotle, Christianity, Utilitarianism
"Four Phases of Morals: Socrates, Aristotle, Christianity, Utilitarianism" by John Stuart Blackie is an ethical discourse that was written in the late 19th century. This work presents a detailed exploration of moral philosophy through the historical context of four important figures and schools of thought: Socrates, Aristotle, Christianity, and utilitarianism. The book aims to highlight the evolution of moral concepts and their relevance to human existence, emphasizing the integral nature of ethical reflection in societal progress. The opening of the discourse sets the stage by acknowledging the author's background as a professor of Greek at the University of Edinburgh, indicating that the content draws heavily from scholarly research and historical analysis. It begins with a tribute to Socrates, presenting him as the cornerstone of moral philosophy, and outlines the aim to illuminate his contributions, particularly through reliable contemporary sources like Xenophon and Plato. Blackie introduces Socratic teachings on the nature of virtue, the importance of moral reasoning, and the interplay between individual happiness and societal good, laying a foundational understanding that will guide the subsequent examination of Aristotle, Christianity, and utilitarian thought. This scholarly introduction invites readers to explore ethical theories that shaped Western civilization and their practical implications for life.
William Thomas Thornton
Old-Fashioned Ethics and Common-Sense Metaphysics With Some of Their Applications
"Old-Fashioned Ethics and Common-Sense Metaphysics" by William Thomas Thornton is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. The work delves into ethical principles and metaphysical inquiries, focusing particularly on common-sense approaches to understanding morality, duty, and the human condition. Thornton critiques utilitarianism, exploring the implications of pleasure as the primary object of ethical consideration, while emphasizing the importance of virtue and duty as central to a moral framework. The opening of this thought-provoking work sets the stage for a critical examination of utilitarianism, presenting it as a doctrine that reduces morality to the pursuit of pleasure while failing to account for deeper ethical obligations. Thornton begins by laying out the tenets of utilitarianism and then proceeds to challenge its core tenets through a series of moral dilemmas and thought experiments, arguing that true virtue often requires self-denial and prioritizing the welfare of others over one's own enjoyment. He posits that morality transcends mere utility and calls for a return to ethical principles rooted in duty and virtue, suggesting that a rich moral life cannot be reduced to the pursuit of individual happiness.
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