Jeremy Bentham was a prominent English philosopher, social reformer, and legal theorist in the 18th and 19th centuries He was a leading proponent of Utilitarianism, which advocated the “greatest happiness” principle in which decisions should be judged based on their potential to produce the greatest overall amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. He is perhaps best known for his influential book, An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, which laid out his vision of a progressive legal system in which laws were judged on their degree of usefulness to society.
Bentham’s ideas had a profound impact on modern philosophy and public policy, with his influence being felt from law and economics to political science, public health, and bioethics. A prolific writer, Bentham’s essays and books continue to be studied and referenced in law journals, political studies, and philosophy classes.
Below are five of the most interesting and influential topics that Bentham wrote about:
1. Utilitarianism: Bentham argued for a system of ethics based on the principle of utility, which stated that actions should be judged based on the greatest happiness principle — that is, the greatest good for the greatest number. Bentham argued that this would lead to “the greatest happiness of the greatest number”, which was the central aim of his utilitarianism.
2. Panopticon: Bentham’s most famous and influential idea was the Panopticon, a prison concept that he proposed in 1791. Bentham proposed the Panopticon as an efficient and inexpensive way to surveil prisoners and inmates, with both the observer and those being observed unaware of who is observing. His concept of a Panopticon has been influential in law, economics, and philosophy.
3. Animal Rights: Bentham was an early proponent of animal rights, proposing that animals should not be subject to unnecessary cruelty and suffering. In his book An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, he argued that animals were entitled to the same rights as humans, and wrote that “the day may come when the rest of the animal creation may acquire those rights which never could have been withholden from them but by the hand of tyranny.”
4. Legal Reforms: Bentham was a passionate advocate for reforming the English legal system and its practices. He argued for a more efficient, equitable, and economical system. He proposed a move from narrow legal codes to a more flexible system of jurisprudence and advocated for an independent appeals system.
5. Hedonism: He argued that the ultimate goal in life should be pleasure and considered pleasure to be the ultimate motivator of human behavior. He proposed that humans should strive to maximize pleasure and minimize suffering, and argued that the most ethical course of action is that which produces the greatest amount of pleasure.