1959•The American Historical ReviewRequires access

The English Utilitarians and India

Holden Furber, Eric Stokes

Open publisher page 580 citations

Abstract

In contrast with the tendency to regard the Utilitarians primarily as exponents of a moral theory, Stokes here focuses on their claim to have developed a practical science of society. He discusses James Mill's influence as the London head of the Indian administration, Macaulay's Benthamite reforms as Law Member, and Fitzjames Stephen's significance in the passage of utilitarianism into imperialism.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

In contrast with the tendency to regard the Utilitarians primarily as exponents of a moral theory, Stokes here focuses on their claim to have developed a practical science of society. He discusses James Mill's influence as the London head of the Indian administration, Macaulay's Benthamite reforms as Law Member, and Fitzjames Stephen's significance in the passage of utilitarianism into imperialism.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 580 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

In contrast with the tendency to regard the Utilitarians primarily as exponents of a moral theory, Stokes here focuses on their claim to have developed a practical science of society. He discusses James Mill's influence as the London head of the Indian administration, Macaulay's Benthamite reforms as Law Member, and Fitzjames Stephen's significance in the passage of utilitarianism into imperialism.

Key concepts: Utilitarianism, Mill, Contrast (vision), Positive economics, Economics, Philosophy, Neoclassical economics, Sociology

Related papers

Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
The English Utilitarians and India — Research Paper | ScholarLens