Henry Sidgwick was a prominent English philosopher and economist, born in 1838. He is best known for his work in ethics, particularly for his book, The Methods of Ethics, published in 1874. Sidgwick's ideas contributed significantly to the development of utilitarianism, a moral theory that emphasizes the greatest happiness for the greatest number. In addition to his philosophical contributions, Sidgwick was a founding member of the Society for Psychical Research and served as a professor at Trinity College, Cambridge. His influence extended beyond philosophy into areas like education and social reform, making him a key figure in 19th-century intellectual thought.