Bentham's An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation

Abstract

Abstract This book explains and evaluates the main arguments and themes in Bentham’s Introduction (IPML). It’s designed for upper level undergraduate students of philosophy; it would also be useful for grad students and scholars in philosophy and other disciplines. Each chapter of the book is discussed in sequence. Emphasis is placed on Bentham’s original goal of introducing a utilitarian penal code. His causal theory of action, and account of motives and motivation, are analyzed carefully, so as to lay the groundwork for his treatment of the deterrence of potential offenders, and the punishment of convicted offenders. Bentham’s approach to making acts into legal offenses, or “criminalization,” is also treated. His understanding of the principle of utility, theory of intrinsic value, and claims about the measurement of pleasure and pain, and intrinsic value, are fully discussed. Some attention is given to the features of English criminal law in Bentham’s time, and to its practice in contemporary societies.