Who was Jeremy Bentham?
Philosopher, Political Economist, and Utilitarian. Date and Place of Birth: 15th February 1748, Hounsditch, London, England. Family Background: Son of a Tory Barrister. Education: Westminster School. Queens College, Oxford. Studied Law but did not practice. Chronology/Biography of Jeremy Bentham: He was so shy that he didnt relish the public speaking that the law would entail so his father gave him an allowance of 90 per year so that he could set about writing books on philosophy, economics and politics. 1768: Although originally a Tory in outlook he was profoundly affected by the work of Joseph Priestley who stated that the good and happiness of the majority of the members of the State is the standard by which everything in the State must be driven. 1776: Another major influence on his work was David Hume. This is reflected in A Fragment on Government where he states that the proper objective of all conduct and legislation is the greatest happiness of the greatest number (later to be
