Jeremy Bentham

El gobernante que contribuye a que la justicia sea inaccesible, el recaudador que irrumpe en el hogar esgrimiendo una tasa judicial, es un encubridor de todo crimen: todo villano puede saludarle como a un hermano y todo malhechor puede enorgullecerse del el como de un compinche. Si aplicaramos esto a las intenciones incurririamos en calumnia y exageracion. Pero se trata de una incontrovertible y desnuda verdad si, dejando a salvo la conciencia criminal y los motivos dolosos, nos limitamos a los efectos y consecuencias de esas tasas.

Jeremy Benthams Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, a classic text in modern philosophy and jurisprudence, first published in 1789, focuses on the principle of utility and how this view of morality ties into legislative practices. Benthams ambition in life was to create a complete Utilitarian code of law. The philosophy of utilitarianism argues that the right act or policy is that which would cause "the greatest good for the greatest number of people", also known as "the greatest happiness principle", or the principle of utility.Benthams principle of utility regards "good" as that which produces the greatest amount of pleasure, and the minimum amount of pain; and "evil" as that which produces the most pain without the pleasure. This concept of pleasure and pain is defined by Bentham as physical as well as spiritual. Bentham writes about this principle as it manifests itself within the legislation of a society. He lays down a set of criteria for measuring the extent of pain or pleasure that a certain decision will create. Bentham argues that certain unnecessary laws and punishments could ultimately lead to new and more dangerous vices than those being punished to begin with. He is of opinion that the concept of the individual pursuing his or her own happiness cannot be necessarily declared "right", because often these individual pursuits can lead to greater pain and less pleasure for the society as a whole. Therefore, the legislation of a society is vital to maintaining a society with optimum pleasure and the minimum degree of pain for the greatest amount of people.

Escritas desde Rusia en el año 1787, estas cartas en defensa de la usura serían, según G.K. Chesterton, el verdadero inicio de la modernidad : las ideas de Bentham habrían tenido más impacto en nuestras vidas que los sucesos acaecidos dos años despues en Paris.

In "An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation," Jeremy Bentham meticulously explores the nexus between ethics and law, laying the groundwork for utilitarian philosophy. Written in a clear and accessible style, this seminal work delineates the principles of utility, arguing that the best actions are those that maximize happiness. Bentham employs a systematic approach, rooted in empirical observation and rational deduction, making his arguments both compelling and rigorous. The historical context of the Enlightenment imbues the text with a spirit of progressivism, challenging prevailing notions of morality and legalism while advocating for reforms based on the greatest good for the greatest number. Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), a prominent philosopher and legal theorist, is often heralded as the father of modern utilitarianism. His visionary pursuits manifest not only in ethical theory but also in legal reform, prison design, and social justice. Benthams commitment to humanitarian causes and the critique of traditional punitive measures reflect his deep-seated belief in rational thought as a tool for societal improvement, undoubtedly influencing his creation of this foundational text. I highly recommend this enlightening read to scholars and laypersons alike who seek to understand the interplay of moral philosophy and legal systems. BenthamAos work is not just historical; it remains profoundly relevant in contemporary debates surrounding ethics, justice, and the role of government in maximizing societal welfare.

In "A Protest against Law-Taxes," Jeremy Bentham, the preeminent English philosopher and jurist, critiques the legal impositions that burden the populace through excessive taxation. His prose is characterized by clear, analytical reasoning and a passionate advocacy for social reform, reflective of the Enlightenments emphasis on rationality and individual rights. Bentham meticulously dissects the inefficiencies of the legal tax structures, arguing that they serve to reinforce inequality rather than promote justice, thereby challenging the status quo of his time and laying the groundwork for future legal and economic liberalism. Bentham, often heralded as the father of utilitarianism, was deeply influenced by the social injustices of his era. His advocacy for the rights of the individual and systemic reform stemmed from personal observations of the punitive nature of law and its economic repercussions on societyAos most vulnerable members. His comprehensive approach to legal philosophy and taxation reflects both his intellectual pursuits and his commitment to social utility. This thought-provoking work is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersections of law, taxation, and social justice. BenthamAos insights remain relevant, urging contemporary readers to reconsider the implications of legal frameworks and their impact on equity. Engage with Benthams compelling arguments to understand better the foundations of modern legal and economic thought.

In "Emancipate Your Colonies!", Jeremy Bentham presents a compelling treatise advocating for the abolition of colonial rule and the establishment of self-governance for colonized peoples. Written in 1816, this work melds Benthams utilitarian philosophy with a fervent moral argument against imperial exploitation, offering readers a rich blend of rhetorical flair and analytical rigor. The text reflects the Enlightenments influence, as Bentham deftly intertwines ethical reasoning with pragmatic political thought, thereby contextualizing his arguments within the broader discussions of liberty and human rights that characterized this pivotal historical moment. As a prominent philosopher and social reformer, Jeremy Benthams experiences and observations during the Age of Enlightenment significantly shaped his views on governance and ethics. His commitment to legal and political reform stemmed from his belief in rationality and the pursuit of happiness for the greatest number. Bentham was acutely aware of the injustices perpetuated by colonialism, leading him to pen this work as both a moral imperative and a call to action to address the grievances of oppressed nations. "Emancipate Your Colonies!" is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the intersections of philosophy, political theory, and colonial history. Benthams insights not only illuminate the contours of contemporary debates surrounding imperialism and self-determination but also invite readers to reflect critically on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice around the globe.

El Panóptico es una construcción planeada para hacer posible el más viejo y persistente anhelo del Poder: que un solo Ojo, alerta y ubicuo, tan omnipresente como invisible, sea capaz de vigilar las acciones de cientos o miles de hombres encarcelados. Pero aquí, "vigilar" debe entenderse como ejercicio atemorizante, capaz de evitar toda conducta ilícita, inmoral o simplemente indeseable. Como veremos en esta obra, las pesadillas más terribles no siempre han sido imaginadas por artistas o profetas. La siniestra ventaja que poseen los hombres de razón, es que en contubernio con los poderosos se encuentran capacitados para ejecutarlas.

Jeremy Bentham, filósofo utilitarista inglês do século XVIII, descreve, em O Panóptico, o projeto de uma construção carcerária que se fundamentaria no "princípio da inspeção", segundo o qual o bom co

In "An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation," Jeremy Bentham presents a foundational text in utilitarian ethics, dissecting the principles of justice and moral reasoning through a lens of rationality and empiricism. Benthams literary style is characterized by clarity and precision, as he systematically examines the consequences of human actions, arguing that morality should center on utility, defined as the maximization of pleasure and minimization of pain. This work serves not only as an ethical treatise but also as a pioneering exploration of legal philosophy, situating Bentham within the Enlightenment context of reason and human rights. Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) was a philosopher and social reformer whose intellectual pursuits were deeply influenced by the Enlightenment ideals of rational thought and empirical observation. His advocacy for social reforms, including the decriminalization of homosexuality and the development of welfare frameworks, shaped his ethical outlook. Benthams utilitarian approach arose from a desire to create a more equitable society, where legislation serves the greatest happiness of the greatest number. This book is indispensable for readers seeking an insightful and transformative exploration of moral philosophy. Benthams coherent arguments and practical applications remain relevant, challenging the reader to consider the ethical dimensions of legislation and personal choice. It stands as a compelling invitation to engage with the complexities of moral computation and societal benefit.

Primera publicación en castellano de este texto, extraído del tomo III de las "Obras Completas" publicadas por John Bowring (Edimburgo, 1843) y del que no se conocen traducciones a otras lenguas.;La obra se edito a partir de una serie de manuscritos encontrados a la muerte de J. Bentham y forma parte de lo que el autor entendia por ciencia de la legislacion: una ciencia que, en manos del legislador, se convierte, segun aquel, en el arte de legislar.;A continuacion se incluye el apendice "Disposiciones logicas o instrucciones de invencion y descubrimiento empleadas por Jeremy Bentham", que figura en el citado tomo III de la "Obras Completas", y que tambien forma parte de sus apuntes inacabados.

El objeto de las leyes cuando son ellas lo que deben ser, es producir, en el más alto grado posible, la felicidad de la máxima cantidad de personas: pero sean tales leyes buenas o malas, solo pueden obrar creando derechos y obligaciones: los derechos, que contienen todo lo que hay de bueno y agradable, todo lo que representa goce y seguridad: las obligaciones, que contienen todo lo que es aflictivo y oneroso, todo lo que es molestia y privacion, pero donde el mal se encuentra compensado con exceso por el bien que resulta. He aqui, por lo menos, la caracteristica de las leyes buenas; las malas son las que crean obligaciones superfluas o mas onerosas que utiles.

"O texto de Jeremy Bentham publicado aqui, escrito em 1795 e finalizado em 1796, apresenta uma das mais famosas e influentes críticas dirigidas ao direito natural e, por extensão, à noção de direitos

An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation is a book by the English philosopher and legal theorist Jeremy Bentham first published in 1789. Labelled as Benthams "most important theoretical work," it is where Bentham develops his theory of utilitarianism, in respect of ethical theory, and is the first major book on the topic. Bentham seeks to determine what a system of laws would look like if it was constructed on a purely utilitarian basis.

Un Fragmento sobre el Gobierno, el primer libro de Bentham (apareció en abril de 1776), es una obra audaz y lúcida en la que sometía a los famosos Comentarios sobre las Leyes de Inglaterra de Sir William Blackstone a una critica demoledora. En ella aparece enunciado por primera vez el principio de utilidad, que despues se convirtio en el fundamento del utilitarismo y sobre el que volveria Bentham a insistir a lo largo de sus siguientes obras en torno a la reforma de la legislacion penal, los fundamentos de la moralidad y los principios que han de presidir la elaboracion de las leyes. La parte que Bentham selecciono de los Comentarios re-presentaba una declaracion doctrinal programatica, envuelta en un lenguaje altamente tecnico de la jurisprudencia, que expresaba la vision ortodoxa de las clases gobernantes, en conjunto la clase de ficciones politicas y juridicas que es preciso suministrar para que todo siga siendo como tiene que ser. La anacronica defensa de los ordenamientos tecnicos escritos en latin, el contrato original como fundamento de la teoria del poder politico, la teologia sobre los fundamentos naturales de la soberania y la apelacion a una extraña voluntad uniforme para entender la cohesion politica del Estado, es todo ello sometido a una despiadada critica que ponia ferozmente de manifiesto los intereses de la clase dominante con una manera peculiar de entender el fin de la actividad politica. El Fragmento es una obra que Bentham creyo que serviria para liberar a los hombres de las ataduras de la vieja autoridad y que convertiria a la politica en una actividad racional basada en el principio de la maxima felicidad para el mayor numero.