In the Interest of the Governed 2nd ed

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.