James Mill on Education

James Mill’s two principal published works on education are the article ‘Education’, for the Encyclopedia Britannica, written in 1815, and the pamphlet Schools for all, in preference to Schools for Churchmen only, written in 1812. The first was general and theoretical, and raises points about the relationship between the aims of education, psychological theory and social life. It is a classic document of utilitarianism. The second was written as part of the debate about the interlocked themes of primary education, monitorial education, and religious education. It is practical and political, and one of the first statements about secularism in education and the need to provide primary schooling for all in England. Mr Burston’s introduction relates the two pieces to Mill’s general intellectual and philosophical position, and to the historical context in which he wrote. Notes explain allusions in the text, and there is a bibliography.