Jeremy Bentham

Jeremy Bentham, the father of utilitarianism, not only created a philosophical system which sought a rational solution to the problems of ethics, but was also concerned with the practical application of his theories to social reforms, administration, education and the law. This reissued volume represents a comprehensive collection of essays on Benthams work from J. S. Mill to the year of the books first publication in 1974. The wide range of Benthams concern and the varied reactions he provoked are well represented by the essays in this volume. It begins with Mills famous appraisal of the virtues and deficiencies of the theory that had so much influence on his own, followed by the criticisms of perhaps the ablest of Benthams (and Mills) contemporary opponents, William Whewell. Benthams psychology and analysis of human motivation is dealt with by John Watson, and in the editors own essay on the thorny problem of the justification of the principle of utility, the whole question of the link between specific human desires and the general desire for pleasure is examined as a psychological as well as a logical problem. The seldom-considered subject of Benthams logic and the way in which he anticipates in some respects the work of Frege and Wittgenstein is considered by H. L. A. Hart, who has also contributed a paper on the question of sovereignty. Benthams Political Fallacies is examined by Professor Burns, and the Constitutional Code and its projection of Benthams ideal republic as considered by Thomas Peardon makes interesting reading in the light of David Roberts analysis of the impact Bentham had on the Victorian administrative state. Finally, there is Wesley C. Mitchells interesting paper on the notorious felicific calculus. The editor has written an extensive introduction which will prove useful not only to those unfamiliar with Benthams writings but to those acquainted with only one aspect of his work. Philosophers, jurists and political scientists should all find something of interest in this collection.