University of Stirling

Philosophy

Current Students: Undergraduates

 

Core modules and Options at Level 10

PHI9HK J. S. Mill's Moral and Political Thought

Outline

John Stuart Mill (1806-73) is one of the most important 19th century moral and political theorists and a key figure in both the utilitarian and liberal traditions. This course will examine his moral and political thought, focusing principally on the essays ‘Utilitarianism,’ ‘On Liberty,’ ‘Considerations on Representative Government,’ and ‘The Subjection of Women.’ Discussion will concern both how best to interpret Mill’s writings and the plausibility of his arguments and how they might apply to modern problems. We shall also devote some time to the overall consistency of Mill’s views.

Outcome

Students should gain an understanding of the central features of Mill's moral and political philosophy and its relation to more contemporary concerns. They will also gain experience and expertise in dealing with the history of philosophy and textual interpretation and exegesis. The module also aims, as do all modules in Philosophy, to improve the students' skills in critical reading, critical thinking, and written and oral communication, through the lecture programme, participation in seminars, and the writing of essays.

Reading

The four key essays are collected in J. S. Mill On Liberty and Other Essays (OUP, 1991), edited by John Gray. Students should purchase this, which will be the set text.

Mill’s 33 volume complete works are available online:

http://oll.libertyfund.org/?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=show.php%3Fperson=21&Itemid=28

It will sometimes be necessary to consult this, for passages from Mill’s other writings, including his letters and diary, which shed light on the texts under consideration.

Guidance on secondary reading will be provided to those enrolled on the module, but for those seeking a general introduction the following texts are recommended:

R. Crisp Mill on Utilitarianism (Routledge, 1997)

D. Miller J. S. Mill (Polity, 2010)

J. Fitzpatrick Starting with Mill (Continuum, 2010)

J. Skorupski John Stuart Mill (Routledge, 1989), especially chs. 9-10.

 

Availability:

 Honours semester 5/7, 3-year Named degree, General

Prerequisite:

 Any level 9 module

Assessment:

Course work (one required essay) 50%; examination (3 questions in 3 hours) 50%. Students may choose to submit a second essay to improve their coursework grade.

Teaching Pattern:

 Each week there will be two 1hr lectures and one 1hr seminar.

Regulation:

For the purposes of the University’s attendance regulation 14, seminars are prescribed classes. The rationale for prescribing these classes may be found in the Philosophy Student Handbook, section F. This section also contains regulations relating to the submission of essays, and other matters.

 

If you would like to know more about this module please contact the Ben Saunders.