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mattlikesbooks's review
3.0
One of the better written philosophy essay collections and overall arguments in history. However, his ideology is so clearly flawed and his pre-prepared responses to the flawed belief system are even more complicated and weak. His philosophy is as thin as butter and the more he attempts to cover all of his toast, the thinner it is spread.
extragravy's review
5.0
This short book really opened up my eyes in my late twenties. I've reread it many times since and while I no longer consider myself a Utilitarian, it did alter my thinking in a lasting way. I also really appreciate John Stuart Mills life story in addition to his writings.
mcsnide's review
4.0
In this book, Mill lays out the basic framework for utilitarianism. Here is his definition of the term:
The strong influence of this book and idea on modern ethics is undeniable. It is well-written, thought-provoking, and clearer than most philosophical texts of the era. Of course, it is subject to attack from various quarters, such as the idea that virtue is to be desired for itself, or the idea that looking out for the happiness of the group may restrict the individual's rights to the point of injustice.
The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest-Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of pleasure.
The strong influence of this book and idea on modern ethics is undeniable. It is well-written, thought-provoking, and clearer than most philosophical texts of the era. Of course, it is subject to attack from various quarters, such as the idea that virtue is to be desired for itself, or the idea that looking out for the happiness of the group may restrict the individual's rights to the point of injustice.