J. S. Mill is among the great intellectual figures of Victorian England, and typical of its reforming optimism. Arguing that all value is based on the furthering of human happiness he proceeded to a defence of liberty and representative government and an attack on "the subjection of women". His essay "Utilitarianism", reproduced here, is a defence of his fundamental creed.

Plain Texts from Key Thinkers The series provides short and digestible texts from major figures of intellectual history. It avoids technicality but provides an introduction not simply to the ideas, but to original texts for the student who may not feel ready to approach the arduous magnum opus. All contain a brief introduction which assists the reading of the texts.