In this work of moral philosophy, John Stuart Mill defends the view that all human action should produce the greatest happiness overall, and that happiness itself is to be understood as consisting in higher and lower pleasures. This volume uses the 1871 edition of the text, the last to be published in Mill's lifetime. The text is preceded by a comprehensive introduction assessing Mill's philosophy and the alternatives to utilitarianism, and discussing some of the specific issues Mill raises in "Utilitarianism". This volume also includes an analysis of the text, substantial endnotes, suggestions for further reading, and a full bibliography. It is a part of the "Oxford Philosophical Texts" series which consists of authoritative teaching editions of canonical texts in the history of philosophy from the ancient world down to modern times. Each volume provides a clear text together with a comprehensive introduction by a leading specialist, providing the student with detailed critical guidance on the intellectual context of the work and the structure and philosophical importance of the main arguments. The series aims to build up a definitive corpus of key texts in the Western philosophical tradition, which should form a reliable and enduring resource for students and teachers alike.
