The volume begins with an overview of Mill's life, work, and reputation, examining the historical context of the nineteenth century that shaped his thinking and the relevance of his philosophy to contemporary readers. In Part I, Wendy Donner explores the main components of Mill's writings in ethics and political philosophy - from On Liberty to Utilitarianism and The Subjection of Women. Central to his ethical views is the development of utilitarianism, and the opening chapters look at the structure of Mill's moral philosophy, featuring the Art of Life. Subsequent chapters focus on the nature and ramifications of Mill's liberty principle, his views on education, liberalism and democracy, sexuality and the subjection of women, and finally his incipient environmentalism. In Part II, Richard Fumerton discusses Mill's work in logic, metaphysics, and epistemology, focusing on an accessible account of those views Mill himself was most concerned to defend.

This latest volume in Blackwell's Great Minds series is a lucid and accessible guide for students, researchers, teachers, and general readers, aiming throughout to reveal the fundamental elements underpinning the intricate weave of Mill's thought.