Intellectuals in politics: John Stuart Mill and the philosophic radicals

Abstract

This work examines the role of the Philosophic Radicals in English politics in the 1820s and 1830s. Drawing on Benthamite ideas, they developed an ideology that stressed the conflict between aristocracy and “the People” as the key element of the social structure and called for the creation of a new Radical party in Parliament. The author analyzes the Philosophic Radicals’ political aspirations and tactics, including the use of journalism, the formation of a Radical caucus, and the establishment of the London and Westminster Review as a vehicle for promoting their political goals. While the Radicals initially supported the Whig government in the early 1830s, their belief in the importance of a separate, independent Radical party eventually led to their estrangement from the Whigs. Despite their efforts to organize an effective opposition, their hopes for a new party were ultimately frustrated by the continued strength of the existing party system and the inability of the Radicals to effectively mobilize public opinion behind their cause. – AI-generated abstract