Mill

Mill, name of British literary family famed for their work in history, philosophy, economics, and psychology. James Mill (1773–1836) gained recognition with his book A History of British India but whose great contribution came through his work as the disciple of Jeremy Bentham, the father of utilitarianism. Mill was instrumental in explaining the fundamental tenets of the utilitarian doctrine. He also wrote a work on psychology, Analysis of the Phenomena of the Human Mind (1829); the first textbook of English economics, Elements of Political Economy (1821); and a work on moral philosophy, Fragment on Mackintosh (1835). His other accomplishments include being a Presbyterian minister, journalist, and head of the East India Company (1830–36). John Stuart Mill (1806–73), son of James Mill, is considered one of the most important thinkers of the 19th century. Mill was the head of the utilitarian movement and worked actively to promote the rights of workers and women. His most important work, System of Logic (1834), is a seminal work. Other works include Principles of Political Economy (1848), the famous On Liberty (1859), The Subjection of Women (1869), and Autobiography (1873). Mill was a brilliant child, who by the age of 14, mastered Latin, classical literature, history, mathematics, economics, and philosophy. He followed in his father's footsteps and became head of the East India Company but then went on to become a member of Parliament in 1865. Harriet Taylor Mill (1807–58), wife of John Stuart Mill, was instrumental in the thinking and writing of her husband's works. Her only work of actual authorship is her essay “Enfranchisement of Women” which appeared in one of her husband's works.

See also: Economics; Philosophy; Psychology.