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Birthday
John Stuart Mill, the British philosopher and political economist, was born on May 20, 1806, -
Renowned work
It is pertinent to focus on the year 1843, the time of publication for Mill's renowned work, "A System of Logic," which transformed the philosophy of science. Mill argued for an empirical approach, pushing for induction as the core of scientific methodology, which fostered the establishment of a new foundation for observations, experimentation, and probabilistic reasoning in scientific practices. -
Contributions
John revolutionary contribution to the philosophy of science cannot be understated. Predominantly, Mill emphasized on inductive reasoning in the scientific world, a view that diverged from the existing preference for deductive processes. -
Contributions
Furthermore, Mill's work on deductive approach unfolded the interdependence between deductive and inductive methods, specifying how comprehensive laws could emerge from universal propositions (Mill, John Stuart. “Utilitarianism.” London: Parker, Son & Bourn, 1861). -
Contributions
He also staunchly advocated for probabilism, foreseeing its significance in contemporary science, where results are viewed probabilistically due to uncertainties (Mill, John Stuart. “An Examination of Sir William Hamilton's Philosophy.” London: Longmans, 1865). -
Major works
In terms of his literature, Mill's major works that heavily influenced the philosophy of science are as follows:
1. “A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and Inductive” (1843)
2. "On Liberty" (1859)
3. “Utilitarianism” (1861)
4. “An Examination of Sir William Hamilton's Philosophy” (1865) -
Death
Mill was died on May 8, 1873 -
Contributions
In 'A System of Logic,' he analyzed how general truths could be arrived at and confirmed through observations of specific instances (Mill. “A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and Inductive.” London: John W. Parker, 1843). His exploration of causation and his formation of what is now known as "Mill's Methods" drew a cogent linkage between cause and effect, thereby determining the principles necessary to methodize and make scientific inferences (Mill. "On Liberty." London: John W. Parker, 1859). -
Resources
Macleod, Christopher. “John Stuart Mill.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 25 Aug. 2016, plato.stanford.edu/entries/mill/. Mill, John Stuart: Ethics | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. iep.utm.edu/mill/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2023.
“On Liberty. by John Stuart Mill.” The Project Gutenberg eBook of On Liberty, by John Stuart Mill., gutenberg.org/files/34901/34901-h/34901-h.htm. Accessed 20 Sept. 2023.