Henry Sidgwick

Sidgwick - Henry Sidgwick, 1906 - 5840853.tif

Henry Sidgwick (31 May 1838 – 28 August 1900) was an English philosopher, economist, and ethicist who is best known for his work in ethics and political philosophy, particularly in his book The Methods of Ethics. He was a key figure in the development of utilitarianism, a philosophical theory that promotes actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the majority. Sidgwick was also a co-founder of Newnham College, Cambridge, one of the first colleges for women at the University of Cambridge.

Biography

Henry Sidgwick was born in Skipton, Yorkshire, England, into an intellectual family. He was educated at Rugby School and later at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he excelled in classics and mathematics. After completing his studies, Sidgwick was elected a fellow of Trinity College in 1859, a position he held for the rest of his life.

Throughout his career, Sidgwick was deeply involved in the promotion of higher education for women. Alongside Anne Clough and Eleanor Mildred Balfour, who later became his wife, he played a significant role in the establishment of Newnham College, Cambridge, in 1871.

Philosophical Work

Sidgwick's most influential work, The Methods of Ethics (1874), is considered a seminal text in moral philosophy. In it, Sidgwick explores the foundations of ethical theory, examining utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, and egoism. He sought to reconcile the differences between these theories, advocating for a form of utilitarianism that considers both the individual's and the general happiness.

Sidgwick was also interested in economics and parapsychology, contributing to the fields with works such as The Principles of Political Economy (1883) and The Methods of Ethics (1884). His interest in the latter led him to become a founding member of the Society for Psychical Research.

Legacy

Sidgwick's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of ethics and political philosophy. His approach to utilitarianism and his efforts to reconcile rationality with ethical theory have influenced many subsequent philosophers, including John Rawls and Derek Parfit. Sidgwick's commitment to women's education and his contributions to the University of Cambridge are also remembered as significant achievements.

Selected Works

• The Methods of Ethics (1874)
• The Principles of Political Economy (1883)
• Outlines of the History of Ethics for English Readers (1886)

See Also

• Utilitarianism
• Moral philosophy
• Political philosophy
• Newnham College, Cambridge