Utilitarianism
London, Parker, Son, and Bourn, 1863 [first edition in book form].
Octavo, [iv], 96 (last blank), 4 (publisher's advertisements) pages.
Original blind-stamped dark brown cloth lettered in gilt on the spine; cloth a little worn, marked, and lifting from both sides, with the spine lightly sunned; minor signs of age and use; a very good copy.
Mill's definitive statement on moral philosophy. The text was first published as a series of three articles in 'Fraser's Magazine' in 1861; this first edition in book form is rare. Mill refines earlier conceptions of utilitarianism, in particular by distinguishing between 'higher' and 'lower' pleasures. This distinction is memorably summed up: 'It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied. And if the fool, or the pig, are of a different opinion, it is because they only know their own side of the question' (page 15). Provenance: Professor Heinz Kent, with his pencilled ownership signature on the front free endpaper.
Item #142863
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