The Works of Jeremy Bentham

Jeremy Bentham was an English philosopher and social reformer known for founding utilitarianism, an ethical theory that advocates for actions that maximize happiness and reduce suffering. He believed that the rightness of an action is determined by its consequences, emphasizing the greatest good for the greatest number. Bentham introduced the idea of a "hedonic calculus" to measure pleasure and pain resulting from actions. His works also addressed social issues, advocating for legal and prison reform, animal rights, and the extension of democracy. Bentham's ideas laid the foundation for modern ethical and political thought.