Birth and Family Background

John Stuart Mill was born on May 20, 1806, in London to James Mill, a Scottish historian, economist, and philosopher

Intensive and Rigorous Education

Influence of Father's Beliefs

John Stuart Mill's father, a proponent of utilitarianism, ensured his son received a comprehensive education in various subjects

Mental Crisis and Shift in Perspective

The intensity of his studies led to a mental crisis in his early twenties, causing Mill to develop a more nuanced view of human happiness

Influence of Romantic Poetry

Mill's appreciation for Romantic poetry played a role in shaping his philosophical writings and balancing utilitarian principles with individual well-being

Refinement of Utilitarian Doctrine

Mill sought to refine and humanize utilitarianism beyond the teachings of his father and Jeremy Bentham

Qualitative Distinction between Pleasures

In his work "Utilitarianism," Mill proposed that intellectual and moral pleasures are superior to base forms of pleasure

Principle of Utility

Mill's utilitarianism emphasizes that actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if they produce the opposite

Emphasis on Individual Rights and Moral Character

Mill's utilitarianism also highlights the importance of individual rights and the development of moral character, as well as societal progress and improvement

Central Argument in "On Liberty"

Mill's work "On Liberty" defends individual freedom as a fundamental human right necessary for social and personal progress

Harm Principle

The "harm principle" in "On Liberty" states that individuals should be free to act unless their actions cause harm to others

Protection against Tyranny and Government Overreach

Mill's advocacy for individual freedom serves as a defense against both social tyranny and government overreach

Influence on Liberal Democratic Thought

Mill's advocacy for freedom of speech, thought, and association in "On Liberty" remains a cornerstone of liberal democratic thought

Influence of Wife, Harriet Taylor Mill

Mill's wife, Harriet Taylor Mill, greatly influenced his advocacy for women's rights and collaborated with him on several works

Argument for Equality between Sexes

In his essay "The Subjection of Women," Mill argued for equality between men and women, challenging societal norms

Moral and Economic Inefficiency of Subjugation

Mill contended that the subjugation of women was not only morally wrong but also economically and socially inefficient

Impact on Feminist Movement

Mill's arguments for women's suffrage and equal opportunity in education and employment have had a lasting impact on the feminist movement