John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) was a British philosopher, economist, and political theorist, whose ideas profoundly influenced 19th-century political thought. A proponent of utilitarianism, Mill argued for the ethical principle that actions are right to the extent they promote happiness and minimize suffering. His influential work, “On Liberty,” defended individual freedoms and the limits of state intervention, advocating for the widest possible liberty compatible with the equal liberty of others.
Mill also contributed to political economy, co-authoring “On Liberty” with his wife, Harriet Taylor. His beliefs in women’s rights were expressed in “The Subjection of Women.” A member of the British Parliament, Mill campaigned for various social reforms, including the extension of voting rights. John Stuart Mill’s ideas continue to shape discussions on ethics, political philosophy, and the balance between individual liberty and social welfare, making him a key figure in the intellectual history of the 19th century.
