John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill was a British philosopher, political economist, and civil servant. One of the most influential thinkers in the history of classical liberalism, he contributed widely to social theory, political theory, and political economy. Dubbed 'the most influential English-speaking philosopher of the nineteenth century', Mill's conception of liberty justified the freedom of the individual in opposition to unlimited state and social control. His works include 'On Liberty', 'Utilitarianism', 'The Subjection of Women', and 'Principles of Political Economy'.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. On Liberty

    Cover of 'On Liberty' by John Stuart Mill

    This influential philosophical work explores the concept of personal freedom and societal limits, arguing that individuals should have the right to act as they want, provided they do not harm others. The book elaborates on the nature and limits of the power that can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual, and champions individuality and nonconformity. It also discusses freedom of speech, asserting that all opinions should be openly expressed to prevent any single viewpoint from becoming dogma.

  2. 2. The Subjection of Women

    Cover of 'The Subjection of Women' by John Stuart Mill

    "The Subjection of Women" is a seminal work that advocates for gender equality and women's rights. The book argues against the social and legal subordination of women to men, challenging the widely held belief that it's natural, inevitable, and beneficial. The author posits that women should be given the same rights as men, including voting rights and the opportunity to pursue any profession. He further argues that society would greatly benefit from the intellectual contributions of women if they were allowed to participate fully in all areas of public life.

  3. 3. The Autobiography Of John Stuart Mill

    Cover of 'The Autobiography Of John Stuart Mill' by John Stuart Mill

    This autobiography provides an intimate look into the life of a prominent 19th-century philosopher and economist, known for his influential works on liberty, utilitarianism, and political economy. The book traces his intellectual development, including his rigorous and often oppressive education under his father's tutelage, his mental health struggles, and his eventual emergence as a leading thinker. It also delves into his personal relationships, particularly the profound influence of a female companion on his work and thought. The narrative offers insights into the author's views on society, his contributions to political and social theory, and his enduring impact on philosophical discourse.

  4. 4. Utilitarianism

    Cover of 'Utilitarianism' by John Stuart Mill

    This philosophical work is a foundational text in the theory of utilitarianism, which argues that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, generally defined as that which produces the greatest well-being of the greatest number of people. The text elaborates on the concept of utility, addressing common misconceptions and criticisms of utilitarianism. It emphasizes the importance of justice and individual rights, arguing that they are essential components of the overall utility. The author also discusses the qualitative differences between pleasures, advocating for a hierarchy of pleasures based on their intrinsic value. This work is crucial in ethical and moral philosophy, offering insights into the balance between individual happiness and the general good.