Utilitarianism
Tags
Summary
In its research, the book places particular emphasis on the relationship between the socio-historical context and the concept of “utilitarianism,” especially the relationship between the evolution of utilitarian ideas and transformations in social conditions, thereby offering a detailed analysis of the interaction between the concept of utilitarianism and social practice.
Editor's review
In terms of content framework, Li Qing's Utilitarianism is likely devoted to two core tasks: first, clearly outlining the historical trajectory of utilitarian thought from its origins through development to transformation, helping readers understand Bentham's "greatest happiness principle," Mill's distinction between quality and quantity, and other core concepts; second, placing this Western-originated ethical doctrine within China's contemporary social and cultural context for examination and dialogue, exploring its practical significance and possible limitations. This dual structure of "review" plus "dialogue" gives the book both the rigor of an academic work and a distinct concern for reality.
As an editor, I believe the reading value of this book lies in the "bridge to understanding" it provides. For general readers, utilitarianism is often reduced to the vulgar understanding of "the end justifies the means"; the value of this book lies precisely in systematically dispelling this misunderstanding and restoring its complex character as a serious program of social ethics and political philosophy. It guides readers to think: how should "the greatest happiness of the greatest number" be measured? Where is the boundary between individual rights and collective well-being? These reflections are highly illuminating for understanding public policy, legal ethics, and even personal choices in modern society.
Judging from comparable works, Li Qing's interpretive style should tend toward clarity and plainness, striving to avoid overly obscure philosophical terminology, which lowers the threshold for non-specialist readers. This does not, however, mean a sacrifice of depth. The book's analysis of internal schools of utilitarianism (such as act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism) and its discussion of classic criticisms such as the "justice dilemma" and "individual integrity" both demonstrate the depth of scholarly thinking.
Overall, this is a book suitable as a "modern guide" to utilitarian thought. It is not content with mere historical retelling but attempts to inspire readers to connect classic theory with real life and engage in independent value reflection.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- For introductory readers interested in ethics, political philosophy, or Western intellectual history who want a systematic understanding of utilitarianism
- Readers concerned with public issues who like to think about the ethical foundations behind policy and law
- People who often face value trade-offs in personal life or work and hope to use philosophical tools to clarify their thinking
- Humanities and social science students at universities who need a clearly structured supplementary reader that balances Chinese and Western perspectives
Not a good fit for
- Readers seeking a direct translation of Bentham's or Mill's original Utilitarianism
- Readers expecting an extremely simplified, fast-food-style book of "utilitarian rules for success in life"
Reading tips
- Before reading, briefly learn about the lives of representative figures such as Bentham and Mill to better understand the background in which the theory emerged
- Think independently about the classic cases or thought experiments mentioned in the book (such as the trolley problem), and record your own judgments and reasons
- When reading the later chapters on the Chinese context and real-world discussion, try to connect them with social phenomena around you for comparison and reflection
About the publisher
Jiangsu People's Publishing House is known for works in history, literature and the social sciences. Judging from its catalog, it focuses on modern Chinese history, classical literary appreciation and scholarly research. Representative titles include historical works such as Kuomintang-Communist Cooperation and the National Revolution, 1924–1927 and A Record of Combat on the Front Lines of China's War of Resistance Against Japan, literary and visual documents such as Sun Wen's Illustrated Complete Dream of the Red Chamber, and scholarly collections such as Chen Yinke's Collected Works of Hanliu Hall. Translations such as The Dust Bowl and Anti-Intellectualism in American Life reflect an interest in overseas social and cultural studies. Its authors include historians Wang Qisheng, Huang Yuzhang and Guo Rugui, as well as figures associated with classical literature such as Cao Xueqin and Sun Wen. Common categories include history, literary appreciation, essays and miscellaneous writings, and social-science and cultural titles, showing a balance between historical scholarship and literature and between academic and popular publishing. Because public information is limited, this overview is based only on the books in the catalog.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 弁言
- 引言
- 第一章 功利主义在英国的提出
- 第一节 功利主义提出的时代背景
- 第二节 边沁的思想关怀
- 第三节 功利主义主要内容
- 第四节 边沁功利主义思想的形成
- 第五节 功利主义指导下的英国社会改革
- 第六节 穆勒对功利主义的修正
- 第二章 功利主义途经的“中介”站——明治时期的日本社会
- 第一节 功利主义进入日本的社会背景
- 第二节 从Utilitarianism到“功利主义”
- 一、英和字（辞）典的相关收录情况
- 二、译作和著作的相关译词与表达
- 第三节 明治早期：积极接受功利主义的日本社会
- 一、西周对功利主义思想的宣扬
- 二、福泽谕吉的新“富足”金钱观
- 第四节 明治中期：政治转向中被批判的功利主义
- 第五节 井上哲次郎对功利主义的“污名化”
- 第六节 功利主义在日本的中介情况总结
- 第三章 功利主义的中国之旅
- 第一节 晚清时期的中国社会状况
- 第二节 梁启超与功利主义
- 一、近代中国功利主义传播第一人——梁启超
- 二、日本社会思想环境对梁启超的影响
- 三、《乐利主义泰斗边沁之学说》
- 第三节 Utilitarianism的译词与概念传播
- 一、Utilitarianism在中国的译词
- 二、“功利主义”译词的厘定
- 三、“功利主义”一词在中国的理解和接受
- 第四节 功利主义与近代中国社会的互动
- 一、早期教科书中的“功利主义”
- 二、学术界对“功利主义”的看法
- 三、功利主义在实践层面的影响
- 第四章 近代中国传统价值观与功利主义
- 第一节 停留在传统话语中的“功利”
- 第二节 近代历史上的“义利之辩”
- 第三节 传统“义利之辩”与功利主义之比较
- 一、二者的前提和基础
- 二、二者所涉及的内容范围
- 三、二者的功能和作用
- 四、关于二者异同的总结
- 第五章 从Utilitarianism到“功利主义”的全球理论旅行
- 第一节 Utilitarianism理论旅行的三个组成部分
- 一、理论旅行的起点
- 二、理论旅行的过程
- 三、理论旅行的到达
- 第二节 理论旅行中不同社会的反馈
- 主要参考文献
- 后记
FAQ
Is this book a translation of Bentham's or Mill's classic Utilitarianism?
Do I need a philosophy background to understand it?
What are the main features and perspective of this book?
Comments
Find this book
This site is an index: you start “Search all sources” in your browser, and the entries it lists all point to third-party sites; please judge their availability yourself.
About the author
Li Qing is a Chinese-language author whose works span a notably wide range of subjects. Public information about her is limited, and her nationality, dates of birth and death, and educational background are not clearly documented. Judging from the 15 titles held in the collection, her writing covers foreign literature, social science, medicine, social culture, and documentary literature. In fiction, she created the "Perfume Girl Aisha" series, including The Mysterious Stranger, The Last Redeemer, and The Call of Aole Dao, which carry an air of otherworldly imagination. In social science she has written on utilitarianism; in medicine, titles on vitamin A and E deficiency and respiratory infection in Chinese children and on kidney health; and in social culture and documentary writing, a book on public library services and reading promotion, as well as a collection of wartime family letters by frontline medical workers and their children. Overall, her works combine popular knowledge with humanistic concern, and their varied subjects stay close to real-life issues.
Sun Jiang is an author about whom limited public information is available. His research and writing largely center on history, thought, and law. Ten of his works are included in the library, spanning categories such as history, social sciences, culture, world history, law, and Eastern philosophy. Representative works include Reexamining China's "Modernity," Integrating East and West: A Century of Classic Essays from the Xueheng School, and Studies in the History of Asian Concepts (Vol. 9), as well as National Language, Feudalism, Science, Utilitarianism, and Rule of Law. These works suggest that he prefers to approach historical and intellectual questions through key concepts, tracing how ideas evolve within a comparative Chinese-Western framework. His writing combines scholarly rigor with readability and is suited to readers interested in modern China, conceptual history, and intellectual and cultural questions.
