Details

Subject(s)

• Liberty [Browse]
• Political science—Philosophy [Browse]
• Utilitarianism [Browse]
• Philosophy, British—19th century [Browse]
• Mill, John Stuart 1806-1873 [Browse]

Summary note

"Few thinkers have been as influential as John Stuart Mill, whose philosophy has arguably defined Utilitarian ethics and modern liberalism. But fewer still have been subject to as much criticism for perceived ambiguities and inconsistencies. In Completely Free, John Peter DiIulio offers an ambitious and comprehensive new reading that explains how Mill's ethical, moral, and political ideas are all part of a unified, coherent, and powerful philosophy. Almost every aspect of Mill's practical philosophy has been charged with contradictions, illogic, or incoherence. Most notoriously, Mill claims an absolute commitment both to promoting societal happiness and to defending individual liberty--a commitment that many critics believe must ultimately devolve into an either/or. DiIulio resolves these and other problems by reconsidering and reconstructing the key components of Mill's practical thought: his theories of happiness, morality, liberty, and freedom. Casting new light on old texts, DiIulio argues that Mill's Utilitarianism and liberalism are not only compatible but philosophically wedded, that his theories naturally emanate from one another, and that the vast majority of interpretive mysteries surrounding Mill can be readily demystified. In a manner at once sympathetic and critical, DiIulio seeks to present Mill in his most lucid and potent form. From the higher pleasures and moral impartiality to free speech and nondomination, Completely Free provides an unmatched account of the unity and power of Mill's enduring moral and political thought."--Publisher description.

Bibliographic references

Includes bibliographical references (pages 289-296) and index.

Contents

• Introduction
• Noble pleasures : Mill on desirability and happiness
• Impartial duties : Mill on utility and morality
• Liberal justice : Mill on social harm and individual liberty
• Republican justice : Mill on the nature and value of freedom
• Other "Isms" : Mill and his critics.

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Other title(s)

Moral and political vision of John Stuart Mill

ISBN

• 0691211221 ((hardcover))
• 9780691211220 ((hardcover))

LCCN

2021950444

OCLC

1277278350

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