On Liberty and Other Essays

This collection of essays by John Stuart Mill includes his masterwork of political philosophy On Liberty, together with other notable and acclaimed works.

A famed philosopher, essayist and economist, John Stuart Mill has since the nineteenth century been revered for his succinct insights on matters of society. He developed the philosophy of utilitarianism, which remains a subject of serious study to this day.  

This compilation contains four principle works by Mill: 

On Liberty - the classic essay by Mill, and his most known. In this treatise Mill attempts to reconcile the need for civilized control and authority with the human need for personal liberty and expression. Individuality is, according to Mill, precursor to many of the higher pleasures of existence - a just society must therefore make provisions for such to occur, while remaining sufficiently ordered. 

Utilitarianism - wherein Mill sets out the tenets and reasoning behind his own personal philosophy. Mill was a firm believer that it was ethical to maximize the utility of a given tool or object; it is within this lengthy treatise that he defends utilitarianism and attempts to clear up several misconceptions which had emerged regarding it. 

Considerations on Representative Government - here, Mill argues in favor of democratic representation as the finest type of government. He also contends that elected representatives should be more occupied with public debate over specific issues, than with enacting laws. 

The Subjection of Women - Mill's foremost feminist work, this essay was published jointly with Mill's wife: Harriet Taylor Mill. A frequent supporter of women and convinced of female intellectual and moral capacities, Mill argues that women should be able to vote and participate in society to a much greater degree. This position was unpopular, but one which Mill held staunchly all his life.