Anthony Quinton's concise study of utilitarianism, which has been long been unavailable, is generally acknowledged as the best introduction to the subject. This edition includes a new preface surveying recent developments.
The book begins with a definition of utilitarianism, and goes on to consider hedonism as a criterion of value and theory of motivation. Early hedonism is surveyed, followed by the emergence of utilitarianism proper with Hume, Tucker and Paley. The contributions of Bentham, James Mill and J.S. Mill are analyzed, with particular attention to J.S. Mill’s arguments concerning the sanction of morality, the proof of the principle of utility and the question of justice and utility. The criticisms of Grote, Sidgwick, Moore and later writers are also appraised.