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.
Download and start listening now!
About the Authors
Joseph Stromberg is a research fellow at the Independent Institute and has held the JoAnn B. Rothbard chair in history at the Ludwig von Mises Institute. He received his BA and MA from Florida Atlantic University, and his further graduate work was completed at the University of Florida.
David Gordon is the author of the novels Mystery Girl, now a major motion picture in Japan, and The Serialist, which won the VCU Cabell First Novel Award and was a finalist for an Edgar Award. He is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and the Columbia MFA program and also holds a master’s in English and comparative literature from Columbia. He has worked as a screenwriter and a magazine editor.
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.
About the Narrators
Edwin Newman, narrator of the Science and Discovery series, is a celebrated journalist, author, and lecturer. He was for thirty-five years a television journalist for NBC News, and he’s familiar to millions as a moderator of presidential debates. Mr. Newman tells the story of science and discovery in his distinctively clear and direct style.
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.