Bentham

Jurists: Profiles in Legal Theory

by J.R. Dinwiddy

Jeremy Bentham, the founder of utilitarianism, made an important impact on several areas of thought and policy, including ethics, jurisprudence, political theory and social and administrative reform. This volume introduces his thought and links together the various components of his philosophy. It also provides information about common interpretations of Benthamism, and about its influence and modern relevance. John Dinwiddy was the general editor of "The Collected Works of Jeremy Bentham" and the author of "From Luddism to the First Reform Bill".

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

John Rowland Dinwiddy

Reviews

[Istvan Zoltan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent introductory overview of Bentham's work and positions. Dinwiddy is a sympathetic and understanding presenter of the vast body of work that Bentham left behind. He offers insightful commentary and summary of his views on utility and happiness, language and method, codification and common law, constitutional law, policy and welfare, and the legacy and perception of Bentham's work. On the go he also describes Bentham's positions on punishment, the poor, equality, and politics. A very good starting point to an interesting, inspiring and comperhensive work of an outstanding legal and philosophical thinker.