The Subjection of Women

John Stuart Mill, born on May 20, 1806, in London, England, was a preeminent philosopher, political economist, and a leading proponent of utilitarianism, profoundly influencing liberal thought. Educated rigorously by his father, the historian James Mill, John Stuart became proficient in a variety of disciplines. Among his most influential works is 'On Liberty' (1859), elucidating the principle of the harm theory and advocating for individual freedom. However, it is his essay 'The Subjection of Women' (1869), that trenchantly argues for the equality of the sexes; it remains a seminal work in feminist thought. In this landmark essay, Mill challenges Victorian conventions and insists upon the essential human rights of women, both in the domestic sphere and in public life. His methodology combines empirical knowledge with an ethical pursuit of happiness, a central tenet of utilitarianism, which is expounded in another major work, 'Utilitarianism' (1861). Mill's literary style is marked by its clarity, systematic argumentation, and moral fervour. His body of work spans topics from economic philosophy, as noted in 'Principles of Political Economy' (1848), to personal liberty and moral philosophy. Mill's contributions extend beyond his written texts, as he also served as a Member of Parliament. He died on May 8, 1873, in Avignon, France, leaving an intellectual legacy that continues to resonate within various discourses, from political philosophy to women's rights.