Reforming Philosophy: A Victorian Debate on Science and Society

The Victorian period in Britain was an "age of reform." It is therefore not surprising that two of the era's most eminent intellects described themselves as reformers. John Stuart Mill - philosopher, political economist, and Parliamentarian - remains a canonical author of Anglo-American philosophy, while William Whewell - Anglican cleric, scientist, and educator - is now often overlooked, though in his day he was renowned as an authority on science. Both Mill and Whewell believed that by reforming philosophy - including the philosophy of science - they could effect social and political change. But their divergent visions of this societal transformation led to a sustained and spirited controversy that covered motality, politics, science, and economics. Situating their debate within the larger context of Victorian society and its concerns, Reforming Philosophy shows how two very different men captured the intellectual spirit of the day and engaged the attention of other scientists and philosophers, including the young Charles Darwin.