Which of the following methods were employed by J. S. Mill in his philosophical study?

Correct option is B

John Stuart Mill, a prominent philosopher and economist, employed the Physical and Historical methods in his philosophical studies. These methods reflect Mill's attempt to combine empirical investigation with a historical perspective to understand and analyze societal progress, human behavior, and philosophical principles.
· Physical Method: This method is rooted in the observation and analysis of empirical and scientific phenomena. Mill believed that social sciences should be studied with the same rigor as natural sciences. His approach emphasized causality and systematic observation, similar to methods used in physics.
· Historical Method: Mill integrated a historical perspective to study the development of societies and ideas over time. He argued that understanding the past is crucial for predicting and guiding future social and political trends.
These methods were foundational in Mill's contributions to utilitarianism, liberalism, and social science. They underscored his belief in the importance of empirical evidence and historical context for philosophical inquiry.
Information Booster
1. J. S. Mill was influenced by the empirical tradition of Francis Bacon and the utilitarianism of Jeremy Bentham.
2. His works, such as A System of Logic and On Liberty, reflect his application of empirical and historical approaches.
3. Mill advocated for the application of scientific methods to social and moral philosophy.
4. The Physical Method aligns with his focus on observation, experimentation, and causation.
5. The Historical Method helped Mill analyze societal changes and propose solutions grounded in past experiences.