Publisher Description
This presentation examines two eloquent arguments for human liberty: John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty and Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.
In On Liberty, the great philosopher John Stuart Mill rigorously defends individual liberty based on the concept of utilitarianism, or “the greatest happiness for the greatest number.” Though his theoretical foundation rejects natural rights, he reaches a similar conclusion—that diversity in individual thought and action ultimately benefits society.
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman is a classic, pioneering work in woman’s rights which has influenced feminists for over two centuries. It is a passionate call for women to achieve independence and dignity by developing their ability to reason.
The Giants of Political Thought series is an easy and entertaining way to broaden your mind and your awareness of great ideas.
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About the Author
Wendy McElroy has written on women’s issues for Reason, Liberty, and the National Review. She is the author of several books on feminism and has worked as a scholar for such think tanks as the Cato Institute. She was a 1997 Mencken Award finalist.
About the Narrators
George H. Smith is an author, editor, educator, and speaker. His first book was the very popular Atheism: The Case against God. Smith began teaching in the 1970s and for nearly twenty years spent his summers instructing university students in political philosophy and American political and intellectual history at seminars sponsored by the Cato Institute and the Institute for Humane Studies. His many articles and book reviews have appeared in a wide range of publications, including Reason, the New York Times, and the Journal of Libertarian Studies.
George H. Smith is an author, editor, educator, and speaker. His first book was the very popular Atheism: The Case against God. Smith began teaching in the 1970s and for nearly twenty years spent his summers instructing university students in political philosophy and American political and intellectual history at seminars sponsored by the Cato Institute and the Institute for Humane Studies. His many articles and book reviews have appeared in a wide range of publications, including Reason, the New York Times, and the Journal of Libertarian Studies.