John Stuart Mill

A Very Short Introduction

Gregory Claeys

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English

Oxford University Press
19 May 2022

Biography: historical, political & military; Philosophy; Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900; Social & political philosophy

Series: Very Short Introductions

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring John Stuart Mill (1806-73) is widely regarded as the leading liberal philosopher, economist, and political theorist of nineteenth century Britain. In his lifetime he was best known for his System of Logic (1843) and the Principles of Political Economy (1848). Today Mill is chiefly identified with On Liberty (1859), perhaps the definitive text of modern liberal statement of its subject, and probably the single most important work of modern political thought. Mill was also the first major male feminist thinker of the period (author of The Subjection of Women, 1869), and the first, as an MP, to introduce a bill for female enfranchisement before Parliament.

This Very Short Introduction offers a brief survey of the life and key ideas of this most influential Victorian British writer. Moving chronologically, Gregory Claeys outlines the philosophical background out of which Mill developed, chiefly through the ideas of Jeremy Bentham and James Mill. He demonstrates how Mill's personal life, especially his 'mental crisis' of 1827, and his relationship with Harriet Taylor, were integral to his intellectual development. Throughout Claeys considers Mill's key works set within the context of his lesser writings and correspondence, and discusses the more controversial aspects of his thought concerning religion, secularism, and birth control. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

By: Gregory Claeys
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 180mm, Width: 115mm, Spine: 8mm
Weight: 122g
ISBN: 9780198749998
ISBN 10: 0198749996
Series: Very Short Introductions
Pages: 152
Publication Date: 19 May 2022
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Preface 1: An uneventful life 2: Remaking radicalism 1835-45 3: Political economy and social philosophy 1845-1859 4: The values of On Liberty (1859) 5: Later writings 1861-79 6: Mill today Further Reading Index

Gregory Claeys is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of London. He is the author of nine books, including Marx and Marxism (2018). He is editor of The Cambridge Companion to Utopian Literature (2010), and co-editor (with Gareth Stedman Jones) of The Cambridge History of Nineteenth Century Political Thought (2011).

Reviews for John Stuart Mill: A Very Short Introduction

By placing Mill's philosophy in other perspectives, in the context of moments ranging from its genesis to its last writings, with new associations, Gregory Claeys offers the reader a brilliant reconstruction of this philosophy, allowing him to find all of it the power. The inevitable repetitions of themes throughout the book are ultimately instructive and even necessary for this brief introduction, contributing to the clarity of the text and the presentation of the subjects treated. * Beatriz Laporta, Archives de philosophie *