The moral theory of Jeremy Bentham and William Paleys

Abstract

Bentham's moral theory has been somewhat neglected in comparison to his work on jurisprudence and language, and it therefore seems worthwhile to attempt to examine it in some detail. Bentham's secular utilitarianism is compared with the theological utilitarianism of Paley, who has been chosen as a typical contemporary exponent of the theory. The two theories are first set out fully and without comment; this is followed by a critical examination, not of the theories as a whole., hut of various points needing further discussion - such as the subjects of right and rights, obligation, sacrifice, and Bentham's establishment and development of the utilitarian principle. Bentham's views on punishment, which follow from his moral philosophy, are then expounded, and his Panopticon scheme considered. This is followed by an account of Paley's views on punishment, and an attempt is made to compare and criticize the two theories; It is held that in its application to punishment utilitarianism leads to a paradoxical position, and that that this may point to the theory's falsity. Then follows a critical examination of Bentham's rather neglected views on religion and its relation to.his moral theory. It is suggested that his prejudice against religion made him incapable of objectively calculating its hedonistic effects, and led him to mistake its basis. The psychological hedonism of Bentham and Paley is now examined, and their views compared and criticized. Reasons are suggested for rejecting the theory, but the theo-logical basis of Paley's hedonism makes disproof more difficult than in Bentham's case. This is followed by a critical examination and comparison of their utilitarianism, which is ultimately rejected. Finally, an attempt is made to give some estimate of the importance of the moral theories of Bentham and Paley, both in themselves and in relation to each other.