Utilitarianism

The question at the heart of this book has haunted humanity for millennia: what makes an action right? Mill believed he had the answer. Written in 1863, Utilitarianism remains one of the most influential and controversial works in moral philosophy. Mill argues that the rightness of an action lies entirely in its consequences, specifically in its capacity to produce happiness for the greatest number of people. This 'principle of utility' as he calls it is not mere calculation but a profound claim about what matters in human life. The book is concise but devastating in its logic, moving from the foundations of moral reasoning to intricate debates about justice, punishment, and the nature of happiness itself. Whether you find Mill convincing or infuriating, his argument forces you to confront what you actually believe about morality and why. More relevant than ever in an age of algorithmic decision-making and cost-benefit analysis.