Bentham: A Guide for the Perplexed (Guides for the Perplexed) - Softcover

Schofield, Philip

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0826495907 ISBN 13: 9780826495907

Publisher: Continuum, 2009

Synopsis

This Guide for the Perplexed presents a clear account of the life and thought of the utilitarian philosopher and reformer Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), highlighting his relevance to contemporary debates in philosophy, politics and law.

About this title

Review:

"Bentham is perplexing as well as fascinating, and this clear, insightful, and open-minded book will be a huge help to those seeking guidance." - Roger Crisp, University of Oxford, UK

"Bentham has never had a better expositor than Philip Schofield, whose new book provides an engaging and authoritative guide to the philosopher who brought happiness to the center of the world's stage. Read and reform!" - Bart Schultz, University of Chicago, USA, author of Henry Sidgwick, Eye of the Universe

Synopsis:

This book provides a concise and coherent overview of Jeremy Bentham, the widely read and studied political philosopher - ideal for undergraduates who require more than just a simple introduction to his work and thought. Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), utilitarian philosopher and reformer, is a key figure in our intellectual heritage, and a far more subtle, sophisticated, and profound thinker than his popular reputation suggests. "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. "Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

About this edition

• Publisher: Continuum
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0826495907
• ISBN 13: 9780826495907
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192