An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (Dover Philosophical Classics) - Softcover

Bentham, Jeremy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486454525 ISBN 13: 9780486454528

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2007

Synopsis

First published in 1789, Jeremy Bentham's best-known work remains a classic of modern philosophy and jurisprudence. Its definitions of the foundations of utilitarian philosophy and its groundbreaking studies of crime and punishment retain their relevance to modern issues of moral and political philosophy, economics, and legal theory.
Based on the assumption that individuals seek pleasure and avoid pain, Bentham's utilitarian perspective forms a guide to moral decision-making. With the "greatest happiness of the greatest number" as his objective, the author attempts to identify the sources and varieties of pleasure and pain as well as the ways in which they can be measured in assessing moral options. Considerations of intentionality, consciousness, motives, and dispositions support Bentham's arguments. The text concludes with his survey of purpose and the role of law and jurisprudence, a fascinating exercise in the theory of social reform that explores conflicts between the interests of the majority and individual freedom.

About this title

From the Back Cover

An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, Jeremy Bentham's best-known work, is a classic text in modern philosophy and jurisprudence. First published in 1789, it contains the important statement of the foundations of utilitarian philosophy and a pioneering study of crime and punishment, both of which remain at the heart of contemporary debates in moral and political philosophy, economics, and legal theory.

About the Author

Jeremy Bentham

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0486454525
• ISBN 13: 9780486454528
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 416