The English Utilitarians, Volume 2 (of 3) / James Mill

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25788

Title

The English Utilitarians, Volume 2 (of 3) / James Mill

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Leslie Stephen's definitive biography of James Mill, the stern architect of English Utilitarianism. This volume details Mill's transformation from a Scottish shoemaker's son into Bentham's devoted lieutenant, exploring his radical theories on politics, economics, and psychology, and his relentless campaign for social reform.

Summary up to 500 words

Leslie Stephen's biography of James Mill in *The English Utilitarians, Volume 2* chronicles the life and intellectual evolution of the central figure in classical utilitarian thought. Born in 1773 to a shoemaker in Scotland, Mill displayed early intellectual promise, eventually abandoning a failed clerical career to become a journalist and historian. His life was profoundly shaped by his friendship with Jeremy Bentham, whom he served as a tireless propagandist and 'lieutenant.' The text traces Mill's evolution from a rationalist to an agnostic, driven by a conviction that morality is grounded solely in the principle of utility—the greatest happiness of the greatest number. Stephen examines Mill's contributions to political economy, his analysis of the distribution of wealth, and his controversial psychological theories, particularly his associationist view of the mind. The biography also covers Mill's involvement in major reform movements, including the abolition of slavery and the expansion of education, while contrasting his empirical, 'matter-of-fact' approach with the mystical and historical perspectives of his contemporaries like Coleridge. Through a rigorous examination of Mill's writings and personal struggles, including his large family and financial hardships, Stephen presents a portrait of a man whose logical rigor and moral intensity reshaped British intellectual life. Mill's career was defined by his transition from a Tory journalist to the leader of the Utilitarian party. He moved into close intimacy with Bentham, adopting his principles entirely and dropping his theology to become an agnostic who viewed theological doctrines as false and brutal. Despite significant personal strain, including supporting his father's debts and raising nine children, Mill maintained strict frugality. His magnum opus, the history of British India, was a monumental undertaking that took far longer than anticipated. Stephen highlights the tension between Mill's rigid logic and the emerging Romantic and historical schools of thought, noting how Mill eventually conceded that his school had neglected the constructive elements of society and the importance of history, a shift that scandalized his fellow Utilitarians. Ultimately, the volume portrays Mill as a man who, through sheer energy and logical consistency, sought to apply scientific laws to morality and legislation, fundamentally altering the political and intellectual landscape of his era.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25788.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg25788.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-03 12:49 UTC

Categories

• Philosophy
• Biography