Utilitarianism

About “Utilitarianism”

John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism is a philosophical defense of the moral theory that right actions are those that promote overall happiness. First published as a series of articles in 1861 and later collected as a book in 1863, the essay presents Mill's sustained argument for utilitarianism. Colin Heydt's Broadview Edition includes a substantial introduction that situates the work within its historical context, showing how Mill's philosophy was shaped by political engagement. The edition also features appendices with related writings by Mill, his predecessors, and critics. Heydt's selections and analysis provide readers with a deeper understanding of the essay's polemical background. The volume serves both as an introduction for students and as a resource for scholars.