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Jeremy Bentham?s ?Classical Utilitarianism?, 2004.
This paper discusses Jeremy Bentham?s ?Classical Utilitarianism?, the economies of pleasure and pain.
885 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that utilitarianism is defined as the idea that individuals and government should attempt to do the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people. The author points out that Bentham?s argument is based on individual rather than collective rights. The paper concludes that it is only the majority rule of individuals that determines what is right or wrong according to community dictates, and above all, the same process is applicable to pleasure and pain, in whatever shape they appear.
From the Paper
"If a person fears pain, it is thus much worse if it is very intense, for a long duration, is close at hand, is certain, is apt to be given again, and will not be followed by pleasure. Perhaps an example might be, to take a relatively benign comparison. Who is in more pain of the following two students? A poor student, facing the SATs the next morning, who must take the test and is compelled to do so by his zealous parents, but feels he or she is doomed to failure versus a good student, offered the option of taking an extra credit quiz at some point in the semester, the time of which he or she may choose, of less than a half-hour?s time, followed by a pizza party? The individual in the most pain, in the scenarios, is intuitively obvious, even if one does not grade the two upon Bentham?s scales of intensities of pain and pleasure."
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Jeremy Bentham, 2006.
Summarizes the life and works of Jeremy Bentham, English philosopher and political thinker.
1,367 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
Jeremy Bentham, popular English jurist, philosopher and legal and social reformer, was born on February 15, 1748 to a wealthy Tory family. This paper summarizes the life and works of Jeremy Bentham, including his panopticon design for prisons, his theory of utilitarianism, "Writings of the Poor Laws" and his proposal of industry houses.
From the Paper
"There were three obligations that Bentham laid out to the British government to attain Utilitarianism. The first was to provide the poor with enough to survive. This included giving them food, providing clothing and providing security for their livestock and other belongings. The second obligation was to encourage abundance, both wealth and of population. Bentham knew that the larger the population the wealth per capita would drop, but he also knew that you needed a large population for defense. The third and final obligation was equality of means. Bentham wanted taxation to be distributed differently but it must be done carefully or it could possibly decrease the general abundance of the population."
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Jeremy Bentham, 2006.
A review of the life, history and contributions of political economist, Jeremy Bentham.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the life and work of Jeremy Bentham, the political economist who was born in 1748 and died in 1832. This paper discusses how Bentham was an important representative of this early prototypical class of political economists who are recognized today for their pioneering work. This paper further discusses the contributions he made to the political economy and as a jurist, a philosopher, and one of the period's foremost proponents of utilitarianism. Bentham was also known for his minor involvement with animal rights issues at time when that particular subject often received short shrift in comparison to some of the greater thematic issues of the day.
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Jeremy Bentham, 2006.
This paper focuses on the life and contributions of English jurist, social reformist, political thinker and philosopher Jeremy Bentham.
1,092 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the impact of Jeremy Bentham on Britain's judicial system. This paper discusses the England's corrupt legal system during the 18th and 19th centuries which Bentham succeeded in considerably reforming. This paper analyzes the political thinker's approach to social reform. The writer of this paper delves into Bentham's insightful views and opinions pertaining to political liberty, hedonism and psychological egoism. This paper also examines Bentham's considerable impact on the British Parliament which upon Bentham's death passed the Reform Bill, which extricated political power from the ruling nobility and bestowed it upon British population.
From the Paper
"The basis for Bentham's theory of government necessarily starts from his ethical propositions; both of these depend upon his principle of utility he called this the "greatest happiness" principle. Bentham identifies happiness with pleasure, and supposes that the rightness or wrongness of actions can only be accurately comprehended upon a scale of pleasure and pain, happiness and unhappiness. This makes him a hedonist, but he is a utilitarian hedonist in that he believes that human actions should be measured along these guidelines based upon their definitive outcomes. The outcome of purely moral actions spreads this principle throughout all of society: "It is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong."
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The Ethics of Hanna Arendt and Jeremy Bentham, 2004.
An ethics essay looking at how Hanna Arendt and Jeremy Bentham would have handled certain situations from an ethics point of view.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Hanna Arendt's moral philosophy and how it would be applied to the decision about who to serve in an intensive care unit and Jeremy Bentham's theory of utility and how it would be applied to the decision of torturing Iraqi prisoners in order to gain information on terrorist cells.
From the Paper
"The determination of how to use the available beds in the intensive care unit if applied to Hannah Arendt's view of morality would encompass all of the following considerations on every given potential admission: first come first served, the most critical and life threatening, those who can afford to pay, the youngest the, oldest, those in the most pain, those who have the best chance to survive and those most valuable to the community."
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Intelligence and Creativity: Jeremy Bentham and Ludwig von Beethoven, 2002.
A discussion on whether genetics or environmental influence made Jeremy Bentham and Ludwig von Beethoven who they were.
3,025 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 17 sources, $ 111.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Bentham and Beethoven and examines the question of "nurture" vs. "nature". Heredity is looked at as well as environmental influence in terms of what made these two examples what they were.
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Bible & Jeremy Bentham On Killing, 1996.
Examines views of Biblical authors & utilitarian philosopher on morality of killing a human being.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"Is it morally wrong in every case to kill another human being, or are there instances in which taking another human being's life is justified? Moral philosophers have wrestled with this issue for centuries. The issue may be couched as directly as it is above--that killing is morally wrong--or it may center on specific instances which some believe alter the moral equation, such as in war, for purposes of euthanasia, or most recently, with reference to the issue of abortion. Of course, the latter involves the further question of when human life begins so that the killing of a fetus can be considered the killing of a human being. The Bible addresses the issue and does not produce as complete or direct an answer as one might think, and the utilitarian Jeremy Bentham also offers a somewhat clouded picture with different interpretations possible. Clearly, the.."
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Bentham, Utilitarianism, and the Classical Theory of Criminology, 2004.
An examination of the contributions made by Jeremy Bentham towards criminology theories.
1,987 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the criminology theories of Jeremy Bentham. It begins by providing a biographical background of Bentham and explains how his love for law and criminology pushed him to develop new theories. It discusses why these theories were controversial at the time and looks at some critiques of the theories.
From the Paper
"Bentham?s contribution to the classical theory came in the form of an idea he advanced called utilitarianism (Siegel, 2000). The theory of utilitarianism is based around the idea that lawmaking should be done with the goal of providing the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (Siegel, 2000). Bentham believed that empirical calculations could be derived to judge what laws would provide the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. As for the criminal application of this theory, he believed that individuals weigh the probabilities of present and future pleasures against those of present and future pain. This balancing of outcomes served as the deciding factor of whether or not an individual would commit an illegal act. Accordingly, Bentham believed that if the proposed pain was in excess of the pleasure derived from the crime, then no crime would result. This is utilitarianism in its simplest sense. In order to understand in a deeper sense (one that explains contexts, applications, and criticisms) one has to look deeper into Bentham?s ideas on legal duties, obligations, and powers, and how these contributed to utilitarianism, and finally, how utilitarianism contributed to the classical theory as we understand it today."
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Bentham and Utilitarianism, 2002.
An overview of the utilitarian views of philosopher, Jeremy Bentham.
2,775 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 3 sources, $ 102.95
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Abstract
This paper will consider in detail the arguments of the theorist who is widely regarded as the 'founding father' of contemporary utilitarian ethics, Jeremy Bentham. As we shall see, Bentham's version of this theory differs, in important respects, from the outline given above.
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Rule-Utilitarianism and Act-Utilitarianism, 2005.
A look at the controversial debate between the two major methods of implementing practical utilitarianism.
2,004 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper first defines act- and rule-utilitarianism before discussing their relative merits. It moves through the debate using a series of famous examples and counter-examples designed to highlight the faults of each method. For example, the accusation of "rule-worshipping" is contrasted with the idea that act-utilitarianism allows people to break promises, or is too demanding. The paper ultimately finds that rule-utilitarianism is all too likely to slip into act-utilitarianism if it is to avoid potentially dangerous rule-worship.
From the Paper
"The first principle of utilitarianism is acceptable enough, partly because Mill specifically spends much time discussing its proof in Utilitarianism, and partly because happiness as an ultimate end in life seems to the vast majority of people to be reasonable enough. However, there is great controversy between the opposing schools of utilitarianism about how exactly the individual utilitarian should make their moral decisions. The choice is between the principles of act-utilitarianism, which dictates that the rightness or wrongness of a single action is to be judged by the action's consequences, and those of rule-utilitarianism, which dictates that the action should be judged by a set of established rules, which are designed to produce the best consequences. It should also be noted that writers in both sides have cited passages in Mill's text which appear to support their point of view."
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Utilitarianism, 1999.
This essay examines Jeremy Bentham's theory of utilitarianism and particularly what is meant by 'the principle of utility.'
1,537 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 9 sources, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This essay explains Bentham?s reasons for developing utilitarianism as both a social and political framework. It examines utilitarianism in an individual and private environment, as well as its workings in a more widespread and universal atmosphere. The latter part of this essay focuses on the viability of utilitarianism in the public sphere, and whether it provides appropriate guidance for government policy-making. The main objective of this part of the essay is to determine whether Bentham?s principle of utility is appropriate as the foundation of a political structure. Thusly, it focuses on the attributes and failings of the principle of utility as a public philosophy.
From the Paper
"Bentham?s theory of utilitarianism was a result of deficiencies in government institutions in his country, and their failing to adequately serve the general satisfaction of its population. The principle of utility is based on intrinsic facts that motivate individuals, namely pleasure and pain. It is human nature to pursue pleasure and to avoid pain. Therefore what we ought and ought not to do is determined by these two ?sovereign masters?. The element of pleasure or pain involved in an action determines whether or not an individual, or group of people proceed with that action. All forms of utilitarianism are consequential. In every circumstance or action, a consequence is identified and then compared with the consequence of inaction.Whichever produces the greatest happiness is what ought to be done."
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Natural Rights, Rule and Act Utilitarianism, 2001.
A look at the British philosopher, Jeremy Bentham?s famous work " Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation" in which he details his theory of Utilitarianism.
1,140 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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This paper discusses Bentham?s views on natural rights and how at first sight Utilitarianism seems to be antithetical to the idea of basic rights and whether it justifies the deprivation of an individual?s basic rights to serve the interests of the greatest numbers. It also explains how the theory of utilitarianism would justify respect for certain rights, and discuss the difference between rule-utilitarianism and act-utilitarianism.
From the Paper
"Jeremy Bentham believed in applying empirical methods, rationalism and deductive arguments to the development of moral and legal theories. At the outset of his Principles of Morals and Legislation he has identified the basis of the principle of Utility on which the Utilitarianism has been founded?pain and pleasure, and calls them the two ?sovereign masters? of mankind. The principle of utility, on which most of Bentham?s work is based, has been explained by him as: ?Any action that promotes happiness of an individual or lessens pain is right while any action that increases pain or decreases happiness is wrong.? He further explains that the happiness of the individual is the same as the happiness of the community since the community is nothing but the sum total of individuals. Another key element in Bentham?s theory of Utility is the concept of the happiness for the greatest number?and his belief that the happiness for the greatest number of people is quantifiable. He has also expanded his theory to include the acts of not only the individuals but that of the government as well, and because of his interest in law, the scope of his work included the legislative and judicial reforms."
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Utilitarianism, 2002.
This paper discusses both Marx's and Bentham's view of utilitarianism.
2,650 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Marx's vision of utilitarianism was to literally change the world through revolution, usually conceived of in violent terms. The author points out that Jeremy Bentham, by way of stark contrast, never had any such dramatic vision. Bentham's efforts were directed at honing his particular (at times peculiar) brand of utilitarianism. His focus was reform; not revolution." He led the Philosophical Radicals groups which was dedicated to changing English institutions.
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Utilitarianism and Capital Punishment, 2002.
The following paper examines research from the classical school of criminology and current trends in capital punishment.
2,370 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 13 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper examines current facts and statistics, as well as the research or classical school criminologists over the last two centuries, which supports the fact that capital punishment is not a formidable means of punishment. Jeremy Bentham's Utilitarian Theory is made reference to in this paper.
From the Paper
"Capital punishment involves punishment by death, which involves execution. In the United States, this capital punishment can be executed when one commits first-degree murder, treason, or is a military deserter during wartime. During the eighteenth century Europe is when the first recorded opposition to capital punishment arose. Italian jurist Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794), had a profound effect on the study of capital punishment (Schmalleger, p.91). Beccaria influenced famous thinkers of his time and since, in his famous Essay on crime and Punishment, which is detailed in Jeremy Bentham's writings on Utilitarianism. There is an ongoing argument in the United States and abroad, as to whether capital punishment is a formidable means of punishment. Proponents believe that capital punishment deters criminal activity such as murder, while opponents of capital punishment believe that there is absolutely no effect on the murder rate. With overwhelming costs of keeping the condemned locked up during lengthly appeals processes and increasing moral questions of killing human beings, there is a huge controversy as to whether capital punishment is effective. Capital Punishment is not a formidable means of punsishment, which is supported by Jermey Bentham's Utilitarian Theory, inspired by Cesare Beccaria's Essay on Crime and Punishment."
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Utilitarianism as a Theory of Justice, 2005.
A discussion on whether utilitarianism fails as a theory of justice because of its disproportionate prioritisation of collective welfare over individual rights.
1,528 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the concept of utilitarianism from a number of different angles and pays heed to writers such as John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham. The paper discusses the concept of rights and whether or not utilitarianism does fail as a theory of justice and whether or not it prioritises collective welfare over the individual.
From the Paper
"John Stuart Mill was also a strong advocate of utilitarianism, but he took a slightly different view to Bentham. In one of his most famous works "Utilitarianism" he differed from Bentham's views, he supported a view of utilitarianism that saw the individual not just as enhancing welfare but behaving in such a way that would enhance so that they could enhance their own welfare. However this view of utilitarianism still arguably treats people as producers of welfare rather than individuals and it still suppresses the interest of the individual underneath those of collective welfare. John Charvet discusses this when he says, "As disinterested moral agents men must treat each other, in respect of their potential for producing pleasure and pain." "
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