On Liberty, Utilitarianism and Other Essays (Oxford World's Classics) Second Edition

Bought this for dissertation work — felt that needed to be said because I would not read this for fun.

John Stuart Mill is the most influential English language philosopher, who wrote many works including on liberty, a system of logic, the subjection of women, etc. This books contains on liberty, utilitarianism, considerations on representative government, and the subjection of women these four essays. I personally just finished reading On Liberty, so this review will mainly about his On Liberty. Mill originally finished this piece in 1857, and he wanted to add some further amendments afterwards. However, after his wife’s death, he decided to publish this piece without any changes.As it is mentioned in the book, liberty is not at all a new topic for humanity even at his time. As the society keeps progressing, the questions that are associated with the topic only grow more important than ever before. Mill specifically identifies a new problem at his time. He finds out that the question of liberty is no longer between subjects, like between rulers and those being ruled, but between social mainstream and personal opinion. I think this point is very true especially in current society. When assessing something, one must form his own opinion, and it is important to keep that opinion uncontaminated. Therefore, in his essay, Mill is trying to find and define bounds, bounds that limit the interference from social opinion towards individuals. And as he writes, the principle which Mill adduces is ‘that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant’.Generally, as I read the essay, I find some of his arguments or statements are very true and sharp, the philosophy in his works are very applicable in modern world. Certainly, not everyone would agree with everything he says in the book, but to read philosophical books is just to help you think in your ways on the topic suggested by those books. If you are new to philosophical books, I would say it might be a little hard to read. At least it is hard to read for me. However, it is much better than some of Kant’s works which are not very readable for rookies. Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone that is interested in philosophy. It is just a good book, because it makes me think, and it makes me struggle to find the reasoning that satisfies myself.

Great.

Shipped on time and in great condition

All good.