On J.S. Mill as a botanist, or the influence of botany on his philosophy

Abstract

J.S. Mill, a renowned philosopher and economist, also had a passion for botany. He collected specimens from various regions across Europe and shared his findings through academic journals. Surprisingly, Mill's botanical contributions have been largely overlooked by historians. In contrast to their dismissive stance, this paper argues that his botanical studies possess a greater depth and philosophical significance than previously recognized. The objective of this study is to illuminate Mill's botanical pursuits and assess his accomplishments. The paper is structured into two main sections. The first part presents a historical account of Mill's life as a botanist. Building upon the information revealed in the initial section, the second part delves into an examination of the influence of botany on his philosophy.