
An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation
' An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation' Summary
Bentham's principle of utility regards "good" as that which produces the greatest amount of pleasure, and the minimum amount of pain; and "evil" as that which produces the most pain without the pleasure. This concept of pleasure and pain is defined by Bentham as physical as well as spiritual. Bentham writes about this principle as it manifests itself within the legislation of a society. He lays down a set of criteria for measuring the extent of pain or pleasure that a certain decision will create.
Bentham argues that certain unnecessary laws and punishments could ultimately lead to new and more dangerous vices than those being punished to begin with. He is of opinion that the concept of the individual pursuing his or her own happiness cannot be necessarily declared "right", because often these individual pursuits can lead to greater pain and less pleasure for the society as a whole. Therefore, the legislation of a society is vital to maintaining a society with optimum pleasure and the minimum degree of pain for the greatest amount of people.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1789Authors

Jeremy Bentham
United Kingdom
Jeremy Bentham was an English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer regarded as the founder of modern utilitarianism. Bentham defined as the "fundamental axiom" of his philosophy the principle tha...
Books by Jeremy BenthamDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Elizabethan Demonology by Thomas Alfred Spalding
This book, "Elizabethan Demonology", delves into the prevalent beliefs about devils and their powers during the Elizabethan period, specifically focus...

Bible (KJV) 18: Job (Dramatic Reading) by King James Version
The Book of Job, presented in a dramatic reading format, explores the profound question of suffering and its relationship to God's justice. It tells t...

Prometheus Bound (Buckley Translation) by Aeschylus
Aeschylus's "Prometheus Bound" is a classic Greek tragedy that tells the story of Prometheus, a Titan who defied the gods by giving fire and knowledge...

The Chronicles of America Volume 15 - Jefferson and his Colleagues by Allen Johnson
Unravel the extraordinary lives and political intrigue of America's founding fathers as they forge a nation on the principles of liberty and democracy...

Summa Theologica - 06 Pars Prima Secundae, On the Last End, On Human Acts by Saint Thomas Aquinas
This portion of the *Summa Theologica* focuses on human actions and their relationship to the ultimate purpose of human existence. Aquinas explores t...

The Lives Of The Most Remarkable Criminals Who have been Condemned and Executed for Murder, the Highway, Housebreaking, Street Robberies, Coining or other offences Vol 3 by Arthur L. Hayward
This volume presents a collection of reports and newspaper stories regarding notorious criminals and their punishment, assembled by prison inspector A...

Animals' Rights Considered in Relation to Social Progress by Henry Salt
In a world where the rights of animals were often dismissed, one visionary thinker dared to challenge the status quo and paved the way for a more comp...

Principles of Economics, Book 3: On Wants and Their Satisfaction by Alfred Marshall
Principles of Economics was a leading economics textbook of Alfred Marshall (1842-1924), first published in 1890. Marshall began writing the book in 1...

On the Law by Marcus Tullius Cicero
The De Legibus (On the Laws) is a dialogue written by Marcus Tullius Cicero during the last years of the Roman Republic. It bears the same name as Pla...

In der Strafkolonie by Franz Kafka
In der Strafkolonie ist eine Erzählung von Franz Kafka, die im Oktober 1914 entstand und 1919 veröffentlicht wurde. Einem Forschungsreisenden wird das...
Reviews for An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation
No reviews posted or approved, yet...