The Rationalism and Romanticism of John Stuart Mill

Abstract

The dispute between the romantics and the rationalists, which was formed at the end of the Enlightenment century, continued throughout the XIX century. These two apparently opposing ideological currents played a significant role in discussions about the moral, political and epistemological importance of feeling and imagination. Contrary to dualist currents, the English philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) argued that there is no dichotomy between the precepts of both positions with regard to the development of autonomy in human beings. In this article, we intend to show how Stuart Mill's philosophy draws on sources from both rationalism and romantic sources to promote authenticity in human agency and the comprehensiveness of morality.