Benthamism

American  

[ben-thuh-miz-uhm, -tuh-] / ˈbɛn θəˌmɪz əm, -tə- /

noun

1. the utilitarian philosophy of Jeremy Bentham.

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Benthamism British  

/ ˈbɛnθəˌmɪzəm /

noun

1. the philosophy of utilitarianism as first expounded by Jeremy Bentham in terms of an action being good that has a greater tendency to augment the happiness of the community than to diminish it

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Benthamite
  noun
• Benthamic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Benthamism

First recorded in 1820–30; Bentham + -ism

Example Sentences

It is not an altogether fanciful comparison if we call the assumptions we have been describing the ancient counterpart of Benthamism.

From Ancient Law Its Connection to the History of Early Society by Maine, Henry Sumner, Sir

As the historian of British India, James Mill’s industry led him beyond his thesis of Benthamism in practice.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various

It was finally bought by Perronet Thompson, and ceased for a time to be the official organ of Benthamism.

From The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3) James Mill by Stephen, Leslie, Sir

Here, indeed, as elsewhere Locke is the true progenitor of Benthamism, and his work can hardly be understood save in this context.

From Political Thought in England from Locke to Bentham by Laski, Harold Joseph

Sydney Smith was glad to be Bentham's mouthpiece for the moment: though, when Benthamism was applied to church reform, Smith began to perceive that Noodle was not so silly as he seemed.

From The English Utilitarians, Volume I. by Stephen, Leslie, Sir