Bentham and the oppressed

Abstract

This book explores the complex relationship between the philosophy of Jeremy Bentham and the status of oppressed groups during his lifetime. While widely considered a champion of individual liberty, Bentham’s views on the rights of women, sexual non-conformists, Jews, the indigent, native people of the colonies, and slaves reveal a more nuanced and sometimes paradoxical approach to questions of oppression. By examining the historical context in which Bentham wrote, as well as his personal beliefs, the book argues that Bentham’s attitude towards these groups is shaped by a tension between the principle of maximizing the happiness of the greatest number and the importance of securing property rights and social order. The book finds that while Bentham’s approach may sometimes appear contradictory and even callous, it ultimately demonstrates a deeply nuanced and politically astute understanding of the complexities of oppression and social reform. – AI-generated abstract