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John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism and the social ethics of sustainable development

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  • Martin O'Connor

Abstract

This paper considers the writings of John Stuart Mill in political philosophy and political economy as a prototype for ideals of a 'sustainable development' grounded in a norm of justice and social solidarity. Mill's conception of a just 'stationary state* of society is examined alongside his attempts to reconcile precepts of non-interference (individual freedom) and private property, with the constraints and obligations of social, economic, and ecological coexistence. It is shown that notwithstanding vaccillations, Mill ends up espousing an ethical norm of reciprocity and solidarity that is quite different from the premise of self-interest axiomatized in most economic models of competitive market economies. These intuitions about a duty of care complementary to the non-interference principle, when systematized, are shown to find a new contemporary application to questions of economic justice and environmental sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin O'Connor, 1997. "John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism and the social ethics of sustainable development," The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(3), pages 478-506.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:eujhet:v:4:y:1997:i:3:p:478-506
    DOI: 10.1080/10427719700000063
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Commission on Environment and Development,, 1987. "Our Common Future," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192820808.
    2. Perrings,Charles, 1987. "Economy and Environment," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521340816.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lin, Brian Chi-ang, 2006. "A sustainable perspective on the knowledge economy: A critique of Austrian and mainstream views," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 60(1), pages 324-332, November.

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