Utilitarianism

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How do we decide what is "good" and what is "bad"? According to the ethical theory of Utilitarianism, to do good is to "always perform that act, of those available, that will bring the most happiness or the least unhappiness." By far the most widely read introduction to this theory, John Stuart Mill's "Utilitarianism" is one of the most important and controversial works of moral philosophy ever written.
In this major contribution to ethical history, Mill's treatise defends the view that all human action should produce the greatest happiness overall, and that happiness itself is made up of "higher pleasures," such as the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual, and "lower pleasures," such as the physical. The relationship of utilitarian theory to other ethical systems, and powerful arguments in its favor--especially when concerning justice--are brilliantly discussed. How do we weigh options to maximize happiness for self and for those around us? From common-day dilemmas to large-scale social decisions, this exposition remains as relevant today as it was to intellectual and moral dilemmas of the nineteenth century.

"Some of the ambiguity of Utilitarianism can be resolved, or at least debated, by attention to Mill's other writings. Eggleston's edition provides the primary sources for such discussion in its endnotes. A serious teacher of Utilitarianism should use this edition." Henry West, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, Macalester College
"Eggleston has produced easily the best edition of Utilitarianism available. By conveniently including so many of the relevant passages from supplementary works, all organized for ease of reference, scholars and students alike will now have at their fingertips the materials needed to make sense of Mill's classic text. This is important not just for an accurate understanding of Mill's own moral and political philosophy, but for a proper appreciation of utilitarianism as a leading moral tradition." Piers Norris Turner, Associate Professor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University
"Wonderful idea to publish Mill's Utilitarianism with related remarks from Mill's other writings. Like Nietzsche, Mill clearly assumed that the readers of Utilitarianism knew his other writings, which is no longer the case. That is why this is such a valuable edition, especially for students." Robert H. Haraldsson, University of Iceland

1. General remarks; 2. What utilitarianism is; 3. Of the ultimate sanction of the principle of utility; 4. Of that sort of proof the principle of utility is susceptible; 5. Of the connexion between justice and utility.