Bentham

Jeremy Bentham was an influential philosopher of the early nineteenth century who pioneered the approach of utilitarianism. This book provides a new introduction to his ideas, focusing on how he sought to engineer choices and influence human conduct to good ends. It examines how Bentham adopted utility as the critical standard for the development and evaluation of government and public policy and how he sought to apply this principle to a range of areas, from penal law to democratic reform. It also assesses his contemporary relevance and argues that he sought to facilitate the implementation of governmental will while exposing misrule by rendering all exercises of public power transparent to the public.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

Jeremy Bentham, a renowned philosopher, theorist of law, and government, emerged as a prominent figure during the early nineteenth century. His pioneering approach, known as utilitarianism, continues to hold significant importance in the modern world. In this insightful introduction by Michael Quinn, the author delves into Bentham's vision of shaping choices and influencing human behavior towards positive outcomes. Quinn explores how Bentham aimed to be an engineer or architect of choices, focusing on how individuals respond to the diverse physical, legal, institutional, normative, and cultural factors that shape their decision-making processes. He examines how Bentham adopted utility as the primary criterion for developing and evaluating government and public policies, applying this principle across various domains, including penal law and democratic reform. Quinn also assesses Bentham's contemporary relevance, arguing that he simultaneously sought to facilitate the implementation of governmental will while exposing misrule by ensuring transparency in the exercise of public power on behalf of the public.

This book is a must-read for students and scholars of Bentham, as well as those interested in the history of political thought, philosophy, politics, ethics, and utilitarianism. It provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Bentham's ideas, offering valuable insights into his thought processes and their enduring impact on contemporary society.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509521906