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This module provides a unique opportunity to study the ideas and influence of Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), the famous jurist, philosopher, and reformer.

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The module is taught by scholars associated with the Bentham Project, which is currently producing a new authoritative edition of The Collected Works of Jeremy Bentham.Ìý

Module syllabusÌý

The syllabus is subject to change:Ìý

1. ‘Of the farther uses of the dead to the living’: the death and life of Jeremy BenthamÌý

2. A Fragment on GovernmentÌý

3. The principle of UtilityÌý

4. Subsistence, Abundance, Security, and Equality: the subordinate ends of utilityÌý

5. Bentham’s theory of punishmentÌý

6. Panopticon: Bentham’s prison schemeÌý

7. Logic and languageÌý

8. The French RevolutionÌýÌý

9. Parliamentary ReformÌý

10. Constitutional CodeÌý

11. Panopticon versus New South Wales: Bentham and criminal transportationÌý

12. Colonies and colonizationÌý

13. Theory of lawÌý

14. CodificationÌý

15. EconomicsÌý

16. Political FallaciesÌý

17. ReligionÌý

18. Sexual MoralityÌý

19. History of utilitarianismÌý

20. Contemporary utilitarianismÌý

Note: Students are encouraged to attend the Bentham seminars, which usually take place during the second term, and where invited speakers who are carrying out research in Bentham studies are invited to present a paper and to answer questions.Ìý

Recommended materialsÌý

Module reading lists and other module materials will be provided via online module pages, available at the beginning of term once students have enrolled.Ìý

For each seminar, students will be guided through the relevant section of the reading list, and essential and supplementary reading assigned. Each student is expected to read the essential materials, and preferably one or more of the supplementary materials, and be prepared to discuss their thoughts and ideas in class. Students are encouraged to make class presentations and must write one formative essay each term.Ìý

Preliminary readingÌý

• J.R. Dinwiddy, Bentham, Oxford Past Masters, Oxford, 1989; also published in J.R. Dinwiddy, Bentham: Selected Writings of John Dinwiddy, ed. W. Twining, Stanford, 2004.Ìý

• Stephen Engelmann, Selected Writings: Jeremy Bentham, New Haven and London, 2011.Ìý

• Philip Schofield, Bentham: A Guide for the Perplexed, London, 2009.Ìý

• There is lots of information and links to resources at the Bentham Project’s website.

Key information