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Although known as the founder of modern utilitarianism and the source of analytical jurisprudence, Jeremy Bentham today is infrequently read but often caricatured. Based on a study of Bentham's most important works, this volume offers a reinterpretation of Bentham's main philosophical doctrines, his principle of utility and his analysis of law. The evidence indicates that Bentham was no universalist in morals, but embraced a dual standard - in politics the community's interest, in private ethics the agent's interest - which may in turn be based on the idea that government should serve the interests of those who are governed.;The arguments presented in this text challenge many common assumptions about Bentham's view of human nature and of political institutions. A new reading is also given to his theory of law, which suggests Bentham's insight, originality and continued interest for philosophers and legal theorists.;This revised edition of the text contains a new preface, a revised bibliography, and two new indexes, one of names and one of subjects, which together replace the original index.