An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (eBook)

Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832) stands among the most influential philosophers and legal theorists of the 18th and early 19th centuries. A central figure in the development of utilitarian philosophy, Bentham's works have made lasting contributions to ethics, jurisprudence, and political theory. His seminal book 'An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation', published in 1789, articulates the principle of utility, laying the groundwork for what would become the philosophical movement of utilitarianism. Renowned for advocating the greatest happiness principle—whereby the rightness of actions is determined by the maximization of pleasure and minimization of pain—Bentham's ideas were both radical and visionary in their implications for law and social reform. His literary style is characterized by clarity and the careful articulation of his utilitarian calculus, reflecting a mind deeply engaged in rational inquiry and the pursuit of social betterment. Beyond his written work, Bentham's legacy includes his influence on figures such as John Stuart Mill and the implementation of wide-ranging reforms in areas such as prison conditions, education, and legal statutes. Bentham's intellectual pursuits extended beyond philosophy into the realms of economics and politics, where his rationalistic and methodical approaches continued to drive change and spark debate long after his passing.