SOC SCI H1E Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Jeremy Bentham, Utility, Asceticism
10 Apr 2019
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Bentham outlines his theory for utilitarianism -> people still debating it as best moral theory in philosophy. Auto-icon is currently at university college london. Specifically requested that his body is in seated position. Thought deserved rights they did not have. Lots ideas deeply influential in us constitution. Argued for separation of church & state, freedom of expression. Essentially first person to advocate for animal rights. At the time there was huge distinction between humans & animals -> humans like god & animals are beasts that do not have feelings or personalities. Objections to utilitarianism (going beyond what bentham wrote) Wants objective grounds for moral, & legislative, judgements. Freestanding from any individual"s judgement -> principle that we can all look to. The principle of utility: that you should increase pleasure (or happiness) & decrease pain of the part in question. If want to make judgement about what is right then have to think about what increases utility & decreases pain.
