Dr. Settanni's fascinating study of John Stuart Mill's outlook on religion probes certain fundamental tensions and contradictions in his thinking. What is described herein is the history of one thinker who could not fully embrace the theism of orthodox religions and yet who could never be content with skepticism either. His education in philosophic Utilitarianism led him toward agnosticism. His wife's death led him toward belief. These same tensions are present, although in an admittedly more abstract manner, in his philosophy. The text reveals how Mill attempted to resolve these contradictions by a probabilist form of Theism, and the question remains as to how ultimately successful he was.

Mill is famous for being an unbeliever, yet he was immersed in religion and open to spirituality in ways that many will find startling today. This well-research biography offers original findings and insights, you will encounter the Mill that you never knew.

"John Stuart Mill and the Religion of Humanity introduces material that requires significant reevaluation of John Stuart Mill's contribution to the development of the liberal tradition." "John Stuart Mill and the Religion of Humanity examines the religious thought and aspirations of the philosopher and shows that, contrary to the conventional view of Mill as the prototypical secular liberal, religious preoccupations dominated his thought and structured his endeavors throughout his life. For a proper appreciation of Mill's thought and legacy, the depth of his animus toward traditional transcendent religion must be recognized, along with the seriousness of his intent to found a nontheological religion to serve as its replacement." --Book Jacket.

This book is a thoroughgoing analysis, interpretation, and defense of John Stuart Mill's proof of the principle of utility. It answers the traditional charges levelled against that proof, supports a comprehensive interpretation by painstaking study of Mill's text in Utilitarianism, and marshals arguments on behalf of utility as the first principle of morality. Universal Justice (UJ) is dedicated to the advancement of justice conceived globally. It publishes interpretations of the history of thought as well as original monographs and collective volumes, including work related to the activities of the International Society for Universalism.