This module provides a unique opportunity to study the ideas and influence of Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), the famous jurist, philosopher, and reformer.
The module is taught by scholars associated with the Bentham Project, which is currently producing a new authoritative edition of The Collected Works of Jeremy Bentham.Ìý
Module syllabusÌý
The syllabus is subject to change:Ìý
‘Of the farther uses of the dead to the living’: the death and life of Jeremy BenthamÌý
A Fragment on GovernmentÌý
The principle of UtilityÌý
Subsistence, Abundance, Security, and Equality: the subordinate ends of utilityÌý
Bentham’s theory of punishmentÌý
Panopticon: Bentham’s prison schemeÌý
Logic and languageÌý
The French RevolutionÌýÌý
Parliamentary ReformÌý
Constitutional CodeÌý
Panopticon versus New South Wales: Bentham and criminal transportationÌý
Colonies and colonizationÌý
Theory of lawÌý
CodificationÌý
EconomicsÌý
Political FallaciesÌý
ReligionÌý
Sexual MoralityÌý
History of utilitarianismÌý
Contemporary utilitarianismÌý
Note: Students are encouraged to attend the Bentham seminars, which usually take place during the second term, and where invited speakers who are carrying out research in Bentham studies are invited to present a paper and to answer questions.Ìý
Recommended materialsÌý
Module reading lists and other module materials will be provided via online module pages, available at the beginning of term once students have enrolled.Ìý
For each seminar, students will be guided through the relevant section of the reading list, and essential and supplementary reading assigned. Each student is expected to read the essential materials, and preferably one or more of the supplementary materials, and be prepared to discuss their thoughts and ideas in class. Students are encouraged to make class presentations and must write one formative essay each term.Ìý
Preliminary readingÌý
J.R. Dinwiddy, Bentham, Oxford Past Masters, Oxford, 1989; also published in J.R. Dinwiddy, Bentham: Selected Writings of John Dinwiddy, ed. W. Twining, Stanford, 2004.Ìý
Stephen Engelmann, Selected Writings: Jeremy Bentham, New Haven and London, 2011.Ìý
Philip Schofield, Bentham: A Guide for the Perplexed, London, 2009.Ìý
There is lots of information and links to resources at the Bentham Project’s website.
Key information
Module details | |
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Credit value: | 45 credits (450 learning hours) |
Convenor: | Phillip Schofield |
Other Teachers: | Tim Causer |
Teaching Delivery: | 20 x 2-hour weekly seminars, 10 seminars per term, Terms One and TwoÌý |
Who may enrol: | LLM students only |
Prerequisites: | None |
Must not be taken with: | Jeremy Bentham and the Utilitarian Tradition A (LAWS0303)Ìý |
Qualifying module for: | LLM in Jurisprudence and Legal Theory;Ìý LLM in Legal HistoryÌý |
Assessment | |
Practice Assessment: | TBD |
Final Assessment: | 3 Hour in Person Controlled Condition Exam (100%) |