Bentham's An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation: A Guide

Bentham's An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation is a seminal work in the philosophical school of utilitarianism. Steven Sverdlik's guide provides an entry point into the text, examining its central claims and their relevance to contemporary discussions in criminal law, moral philosophy, and moral psychology. It emphasizes Bentham's original goal of introducing a utilitarian penal code and discusses his fundamental moral claims and principles, including the principle of utility, his hedonistic theory of intrinsic value, and his claims about the measurement of pleasure and pain. Sverdlik also examines how Bentham applies these ideas in the context of penal or criminal law, laying the groundwork for a discussion of deterrence, punishment, and the criminalization of behavior.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Bentham's An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation is widely regarded as the foundational text of the philosophical school of utilitarianism, making it an essential resource for students of philosophy. In this comprehensive guide, Steven Sverdlik offers an entry point into this influential work, examining the text in its entirety and highlighting its central arguments and their relevance to contemporary discussions across various fields. Sverdlik approaches the chapters of Bentham's text sequentially, explaining and evaluating the work's main themes. The guide emphasizes Bentham's original objective of introducing a utilitarian penal code. Sverdlik delves into Bentham's fundamental moral claims and principles, including the principle of utility, his hedonistic theory of intrinsic value, and his insights into the measurement of pleasure and pain. He also explores in depth the realm of human action, motivation, and decision-making. Sverdlik discusses these concepts in broad terms and then examines how Bentham applies them in the context of penal or criminal law. By rephrasing Bentham's arguments in contemporary philosophical language, Sverdlik facilitates readers' understanding of how his thinking aligns with ongoing debates about the criminal justice system. This guide provides a systematic and contemporary overview of Bentham's Introduction that will be valuable to undergraduate philosophy students, as well as students and scholars with a working knowledge of basic philosophy who are interested in criminal law, moral philosophy, and moral psychology.

Bentham's An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation is widely regarded as the foundational text of the philosophical school of utilitarianism, making it an essential resource for students of philosophy. In this comprehensive guide, Steven Sverdlik offers an entry point into this influential work, examining the text in its entirety and highlighting its central arguments and their relevance to contemporary discussions across various fields. Sverdlik approaches the chapters of Bentham's text sequentially, explaining and evaluating the work's main themes. The guide emphasizes Bentham's original objective of introducing a utilitarian penal code. Sverdlik delves into Bentham's fundamental moral claims and principles, including the principle of utility, his hedonistic theory of intrinsic value, and his insights into the measurement of pleasure and pain. He also explores in depth the realm of human action, motivation, and decision-making. Sverdlik discusses these concepts in broad terms and then examines how Bentham applies them in the context of penal or criminal law. By rephrasing Bentham's arguments in contemporary philosophical language, Sverdlik facilitates readers' understanding of how his thinking aligns with ongoing debates about the criminal justice system. This guide provides a systematic and contemporary overview of Bentham's Introduction that will be valuable to undergraduate philosophy students, as well as students and scholars with a working knowledge of basic philosophy who are interested in criminal law, moral philosophy, and moral psychology.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190089900