Sidgwick, Henry (1838–1900)

British philosopher. His theory of ethics is presented in his most important book, Methods of Ethics (1874). The basic moral principle (which is not reducible to non-moral terms) rests on our intuitive grasp that we ought to aim at pleasure. However, the pleasure of others is as important as one's own, which gives Sidgwick's account a utilitarian complexion. The problem then is to reconcile the conflicting demands of one's own and other people's pleasure.

Sidgwick was born in Skipton, Yorkshire, England. He was educated at Rugby School and Trinity College, Cambridge University. He occupied many academic posts.