This volume includes the complete texts of two of John Stuart
Mill's most important works, Utilitarianism and On Liberty, and
selections from his other writings, including the complete text of
his Remarks on Bentham's Philosophy. The selection from Mill's A
System of Logic is of special relevance to the debate between those
who read Mill as an Act-Utilitarian and those who interpret him as
a Rule-Utilitarian. Also included are selections from the writings
of Jeremy Bentham, founder of modern Utilitarianism and mentor
(together with James Mill) of John Stuart Mill. Bentham's
Principles of Morals and Legislation had important effects on
political and legal reform in his own time and continues to provide
insights for political theorists and philosophers of law. Seven
chapters of Bentham's Principles are here in their entirety,
together with a number of shorter selections, including one in
which Bentham repudiates the slogan often used to characterize his
philosophy: The Greatest Happiness of the Greatest Number. John
Troyer's Introduction presents the central themes and arguments of
Bentham and Mill and assesses their relevance to current
discussions of Utilitarianism. The volume also provides indexes, a
glossary, and notes.