John Stuart Mill was an influential 19th-century liberal thinker, English philosopher, and political economist. He was a key proponent of utilitarianism, an ethical theory developed by Jeremy Bentham, although his conception of it differed significantly from Bentham's. Mill's approach emphasized the quality of pleasures and individual liberty, shaping his views on society and governance. His ideas profoundly impacted political philosophy and ethics, continuing to inform debates on freedom and human welfare.
In the history of political philosophy, great minds have sought to define the nature and extent of human freedom, with justifications offered for the principles proposed. This title defends individual liberty against both social and political encroachment.