Bentham: A Guide for the Perplexed

Philip Schofield, Professor of the History of Legal and Political Thought, Director of the Bentham Project, University College London

This book Bentham: A Guide for the Perplexed presents a clear account of his life and thought, and highlights his relevance to contemporary debates in philosophy, politics, and law.

Key concepts and themes, including Bentham's theory of logic and language, his utilitarianism, his legal theory, his panopticon prison , and his democratic politics, together with his views on religion, sex, and torture, are lucidly explored. The book also contains an illuminating discussion of the nature of the text from the perspective of an experienced textual editor.

The book will not only prove exceptionally valuable to students who need to reach a sound understanding of Bentham's ideas, serving as a clear and concise introduction to his philosophy, but also form an original contribution to Bentham studies more generally. It is the ideal companion for the study of this most influential and challenging of thinkers.

Published 15 April 2009

Now available through all good bookshops.