Bentham, Jeremy

Bentham, Jeremy (1748-1832), British philosopher, economist, and jurist, who founded the doctrine of utilitarianism. Born in London on February 15, 1748, Bentham was an infant prodigy, reading serious treatises at the age of three, playing the violin at the age of five, and studying Latin and French at the age of six. He entered the University of Oxford at 12, studied law, and was admitted to the bar; however, he did not practise. Instead he worked on a thorough reform of the legal system and on a general theory of law and morality, publishing short works on aspects of his thought. In 1789 he became well known for his Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation.