Utilitarianism and Distributive Justice: Jeremy Bentham and the Civil Law - Hardcover

Kelly, P. J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198254180 ISBN 13: 9780198254188

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1990

Synopsis

Drawing extensively on Bentham's unpublished civil and distributive law writings, classical and recent Bentham scholarship, and contemporary work in moral and political philosophy, Kelly here presents the first full-length exposition and sympathetic defense of Bentham's unique utilitarian theory of justice. Kelly shows how Bentham developed a moderate welfare-state liberal theory of justice with egalitarian leanings, the aim of which was to secure the material and political conditions of each citizen's pursuit of the good life in cooperation with each other. A striking and original addition to the growing literature on Bentham's legal and political thought, this incisive study also makes a valuable contribution to contemporary political philosophy.

About this title

About the Author:

Paul Kelly studied political philosophy at the University of York and from 1987-1989 was Bradley Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School

Review:

Kelly's book has established an important set of issues for Bentham scholarship as well as for utilitarian theory. * Utilitas * This book makes very full reference to Bentham secondary literature and to current debates in moral and political theory. Reasonably enough, the author expects no previous knowledge of either body or material. Readers ignorant of one of these fields will be reliably and fully informed about the other. Readers knowledgeable about Bentham will still learn something about him and be forced to face new challenges to their ideas. * MIND * Kelly has written an ambitious book of rich philosophical interest which will be essential reading for Bentham's intellectual friends and enemies alike * Political Studies * a definite contribution to Bentham scholarship * Times Higher Education Supplement *

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0198254180
• ISBN 13: 9780198254188
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256