This module provides a unique opportunity to study the ideas and influence of Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), the famous jurist, philosopher, and reformer.
Despite concentrating on the thought of one person, the module is surprisingly wide-ranging, since Bentham made significant contributions across a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, history, law, politics, and economics. Bentham’s ideas are related to the social, political, and intellectual context of his own time, and an assessment made of their significance for the contemporary world. Ìý
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.
Module Syllabus
The syllabus is subject to change:Ìý
‘Of the farther uses of the dead to the living’: the death and life of Jeremy BenthamÌý
A Fragment on GovernmentÌý
The principle of UtilityÌý
Subsistence, Abundance, Security, and Equality: the subordinate ends of utilityÌý
Bentham’s theory of punishmentÌý
Panopticon: Bentham’s prison schemeÌý
Logic and languageÌý
The French RevolutionÌýÌý
Parliamentary ReformÌý
Constitutional CodeÌý
Panopticon versus New South Wales: Bentham and criminal transportationÌý
Colonies and colonizationÌý
Theory of lawÌý
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Torture and capital punishmentÌý
Political FallaciesÌý
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Sexual MoralityÌý
History of utilitarianismÌý
Contemporary utilitarianism
Recommended Materials
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
Preliminery Reading
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 Ìý
Key Information
Module details | |
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Credit value: | 45 credits (450 learning hours) |
Convenor: | Dr Tim Causer |
Other Teachers: | Professor Philip SchofieldÌý Dr Chris RileyÌý Dr Peter LytheÌý Professor Allison Dube (Mount Royal University, visiting academic at 911±¬ÁÏÍø Laws 2024–5)Ìý |
Teaching Delivery: | 20 x 2 Hour Weekly Seminar, Term One and Two |
Who may enrol: | LLM Students Only |
Prerequisites: | Not a prerequisite but prior knowledge of public international law is desirable |
Must not be taken with: | Jeremy Bentham and the Utilitarian Tradition A (LAWS0052/LAWS0303) |
Qualifying module for: | LLM in Jurisprudence and Legal Theory;Ìý LLM in Legal HistoryÌý |
Assessment | |
Practice Assessment: | Opportunity for feedback on one practice essay |
Final Assessment: | Controlled Condition Exam (100%) |