John Stuart Mill
Early Life
John Stuart Mill was born on May 20, 1806, in Pentonville, a district in the Islington borough of London. He was the eldest son of James Mill, a Scottish historian, economist, political theorist, and philosopher. His mother, Harriet Barrow, was a housewife who had little influence on Mill's upbringing. Mill's father, a close associate of Jeremy Bentham, was an ardent utilitarian and had a profound influence on Mill's education.
Education
James Mill provided his son with a rigorous and comprehensive education, with the aim of creating a philosophical prodigy. Mill's education began at a very early age. By the time he was three, he was taught Greek. By the age of eight, he had read Aesop's Fables, Xenophon's Anabasis, and the whole of Herodotus. He was also familiar with Latin, algebra, and Euclidean geometry. Mill's education also included lessons in history, logic, political economy, and the utilitarian philosophy of Bentham.
Career
Mill began his professional career as a clerk at the age of seventeen, working for his father at the East India Company. He rose through the ranks to become the head of the office by 1856. However, the company was dissolved in 1858, and Mill retired from his position.
In addition to his work at the East India Company, Mill also made significant contributions to the field of philosophy and political economy. He is best known for his works 'On Liberty', 'Utilitarianism', 'A System of Logic', and 'The Subjection of Women'. In these works, Mill developed a systematic philosophy, based on utilitarian principles, that sought to reconcile individual liberty with social control.
Philosophical Contributions
Mill's philosophical contributions can be broadly divided into his works on logic, political economy, liberty, and gender equality.
Logic
In his work 'A System of Logic', Mill outlined the principles of inductive reasoning, which he believed were the basis for all knowledge. He argued that all knowledge comes from experience and that the mind is a passive recipient of sensory impressions.
Political Economy
Mill's 'Principles of Political Economy' is considered one of the most important contributions to the field of economics. In this work, Mill developed the concept of the stationary state, a state of economic equilibrium that could be sustained indefinitely without depleting resources or harming the environment.
Liberty
In 'On Liberty', Mill defended the freedom of the individual against "the tyranny of the majority". He argued that individuals should be free to do as they wish, provided they do not harm others.
Gender Equality
In 'The Subjection of Women', Mill argued for gender equality, stating that the subordination of women was a relic of the past and was not justified in modern society.
Personal Life
Mill married Harriet Taylor in 1851, after a long and controversial relationship. Taylor was a significant influence on Mill's work, particularly his views on gender equality. Mill died in Avignon, France, in 1873, and was buried next to Taylor.
Legacy
Mill's contributions to philosophy, political economy, and social reform have had a lasting impact. His utilitarian ethics continue to influence moral philosophy and political policy. His defense of individual liberty has been pivotal in shaping liberal democratic societies. His advocacy for gender equality was ahead of his time and continues to inspire feminist thought.
