Utilitarianism and Other Essays by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill (Penguin Classics)

Utilitarianism and Other Essays (Penguin Classics) is a collection of essays that explores the philosophy of utilitarianism, which emphasizes the pursuit of happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people. The book features works by two of the most influential proponents of utilitarianism: Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.

• Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) was the founder of utilitarianism. He believed that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences: actions that produce the most happiness for the greatest number of people are considered good, while those that produce the least happiness are considered bad.

• John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was a British philosopher who further developed Bentham’s ideas. Mill argued that not all types of happiness are equal, and that some forms of happiness, such as intellectual and moral satisfaction, are more valuable than others. He also emphasized the importance of individual liberty, arguing that utilitarianism should not be used to justify the suppression of individual freedoms.

The essays in this collection explore the key ideas of utilitarianism, as well as its applications to a wide range of issues, including law, politics, and morality.

Here are some of the key topics covered in the book:

• The principle of utility
• The measurement of happiness
• The importance of individual liberty
• The limits of utilitarianism

Utilitarianism and Other Essays is a classic work of philosophy that continues to be relevant today. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this influential ethical theory.