Jeremy Bentham was a pioneering philosopher, jurist, and social reformer best known for founding utilitarianism-the ethical theory that promotes actions maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. His radical ideas on law, governance, and human rights influenced modern legal and political systems.
Even after his death, Bentham continued to make an impact-his preserved body, known as his “Auto-Icon,” remains on public display at University College London (UCL). This topic explores his life, key contributions, and the intriguing details of his death and legacy.
Early Life and Education
A Child Prodigy
Jeremy Bentham was born on February 15, 1748, in London, England. A highly gifted child, he began studying Latin at age three and entered Queen’s College, Oxford, at just 12 years old. He later studied law at Lincoln’s Inn, but instead of practicing law, he became a critic of the legal system, advocating for reform.
Influence of the Enlightenment
During his studies, Bentham was deeply influenced by the Enlightenment movement, which emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. He admired thinkers like John Locke, David Hume, and Cesare Beccaria, all of whom shaped his views on law and ethics.
The Birth of Utilitarianism
What Is Utilitarianism?
Bentham’s most famous contribution to philosophy is utilitarianism, a theory stating that the best action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
His fundamental principle was the “greatest happiness principle,” which held that laws and policies should be judged based on their ability to increase overall well-being.
The Felicific Calculus
To measure happiness, Bentham proposed the felicific calculus, a method to quantify pleasure and pain. He suggested evaluating actions based on:
- Intensity (How strong is the pleasure or pain?)
- Duration (How long will it last?)
- Certainty (How likely is it to occur?)
- Proximity (How soon will it happen?)
- Fecundity (Will it lead to more pleasure?)
- Purity (Is it free from pain?)
- Extent (How many people are affected?)
This approach aimed to create a scientific basis for morality, influencing fields like economics, public policy, and criminal justice.
Key Contributions to Society
Legal and Social Reform
Bentham was a vocal advocate for prison reform, free speech, and the decriminalization of homosexuality. He opposed slavery, capital punishment, and cruel prison conditions, arguing that laws should serve the common good.
The Panopticon: A Revolutionary Prison Design
One of his most ambitious projects was the Panopticon, a prison designed to allow a single guard to observe all inmates without them knowing whether they were being watched. Though never built, the idea influenced modern surveillance, prison architecture, and even corporate management strategies.
Education and Government
Bentham supported democracy, transparency, and individual rights, advocating for universal suffrage, equal education, and government accountability. His writings laid the foundation for modern liberalism and welfare policies.
The Death of Jeremy Bentham and His Auto-Icon
Unusual Last Wishes
Jeremy Bentham passed away on June 6, 1832, at the age of 84. However, his influence did not end with his death. Unlike most people, Bentham chose not to be buried in a traditional grave. Instead, he requested that his body be preserved and displayed.
His will outlined detailed instructions for his “Auto-Icon”-a preserved representation of himself. His body was dissected as part of a public anatomy lesson (per his request), then preserved with his skeleton dressed in his own clothes and topped with a wax head (since the original head did not preserve well).
Where Is Jeremy Bentham’s Body Now?
Today, Bentham’s Auto-Icon sits in University College London (UCL), where he is considered a symbolic “founder” of the university. His body is placed in a glass case, still dressed as he was in life.
One of the most famous myths is that Bentham attends university meetings. While UCL does not formally count him as a voting member, a tradition humorously states that he is marked as “present but not voting.”
What Happened to His Original Head?
Bentham’s real, mummified head was originally placed on display with the rest of his body but was later removed due to its unsettling appearance. At one point, it was even stolen by students as a prank and held for ransom. Today, the head is stored separately in a climate-controlled vault for preservation.
Bentham’s Enduring Influence
Impact on Modern Law and Ethics
Bentham’s ideas shaped the development of human rights, criminal justice, and democratic institutions. His utilitarian philosophy influenced major figures like John Stuart Mill, who refined and expanded his theories.
Influence on Economics and Politics
Many economic policies today, including cost-benefit analysis, reflect Bentham’s utilitarian framework. His advocacy for transparency, free speech, and government accountability remains relevant in discussions of public policy and ethics.
The Relevance of Utilitarianism Today
Utilitarianism continues to influence debates on issues like:
- Healthcare policies (maximizing overall well-being)
- Environmental laws (weighing benefits vs. harm)
- Ethical AI development (creating the greatest good for humanity)
Bentham’s work remains foundational in shaping ethical decision-making and modern governance.
The Lasting Legacy of Jeremy Bentham
Jeremy Bentham’s life was dedicated to rationality, reform, and the pursuit of happiness for all. His work laid the foundation for modern utilitarianism, social justice, and legal reforms.
Even in death, his legacy endures-his Auto-Icon remains a symbol of intellectual curiosity, progressive thought, and an unwavering belief in the power of reason.
Through his ideas, Bentham continues to shape law, philosophy, and social policies worldwide, proving that true influence extends beyond a single lifetime.