Jeremy Bentham is widely regarded as the father of modern utilitarianism. Considered by many to be one of the most philosophical and freethinking people of his era, Bentham ruled the world of thought from 1748-1832. From his life he brought wisdom and in his death he brought curiosity; In death Bentham was mummified, preserved and donated. First he was dissected and then later donated to University College London where he resides today. Bentham was always a subject of controversy.

Utilitarianism and Ethical Thinking

To Bentham, bringing pleasure and happiness to oneself is of utmost importance. The things that create the greatest joy for the greatest many of people are held to a higher degree than those that are less reaching. Under utilitarian thought, things that benefit the majority should take precedence over things that benefit less. This type of thinking, although rational, also can bring into many questions regarding the ethicalness of certain situations. To those who follow and are in agreement with utilitarian thinking the most important things are the things that will have the largest positive impact to people overall. The ethical dilemmas that can occur result from the fact that the things that are good for the most, may in fact infringe upon, uproot, inhibit or destroy the minority. Ethical reasoning then comes into play, as one must explore if the good outweighs the bad.

Understanding Jeremy Bentham

To understand the world that Bentham envisioned it is often easier to simply quote from the source themselves. Bentham wrote, “The said truth is that it is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong.” To Bentham life was very cut and dry. If you were to be able to take one life to save two, regardless of who or what the circumstances were, it would be the fact that two were to prosper instead of one. Whatever action(s) would extend the greatest positivity to the greatest amount of people most always prevail. Bentham also said, “Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do.” It was based purely on the physical, emotional and psychological contexts of doing the best for the most.

Bentham in Death

Bentham after passing donated his body to be dissected in the name of science. Even in death Bentham saw that he would be of more use with a plan than in grave. He donated his body to be dissected in order to further science. He was then preserved and donated to University College London. He is displayed to provoke curiosity regularly. In 2013 he was brought to the College Council where he was listed as ‘present but not voting.’

STUDENT SECTION: Impress Your Professor

Jeremy Bentham can be referenced when writing about:

Sociology, Criminology, Ethics, Utilitarianism, Animal Rights, Philosophy, Economics, Lawyers, Laws, Law Reform, Privacy, Gender, Gender Issues, Gender Inequality, Pleasure, Greatest Good, Morals

What are some of your favorite aspects of Bentham? Where can utilitarianism be enhanced today to bring greater joy to more people? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

