John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

Publication of A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and Inductive

1843

John Stuart Mill published his book, A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and Inductive, in 1843. In this book, John Stewart Mill set the tone for using science and mathematics for his basis of logic and reasoning. His inductive reasoning helped change the way logic was used in the classical sense to how science uses logic today.

Publication of On Liberty

1859

In 1859, John Stewart Mill published his book On Liberty. This work discussed the importance of people having the freedom to live out their opinions and beliefs without the influence of political systems. There was, however, one major allowance to his theory. Mills argued that the only justifiable exception to this rule was when someone’s opinions or beliefs caused harm to others.

Publication of Utilitarianism

1861

John Stuart Mill was an avid supporter of the doctrines of Utilitarianism. In 1861, his book titled Utilitarianism, Mill explained how his idea should be adopted as a moral theory of reasoning. He stated that happiness is the greatest pursuit of mankind, and that a one’s choices should be based on what makes a person happy. Mill refers to this idea as “The Principle of Utility”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr9954kaFBs

The Publication of The Subjection of Women

1869

In 1869, Mill published The Subjection of Women. This essay discussed the unequal treatment and negative views of women by society. Mill did not believe that women were the weaker sex, and he asserted that until this view changed, society as a whole would not be able to move forward. It was the opinion of Mill that all of society would experience greater happiness when both genders were seen as equal. This work was developed and dedicated to his wife Harriet Taylor Mill.