John Locke and Jeremy Bentham

This article compares and contrasts the philosophies of John Locke and Jeremy Bentham, two highly influential British thinkers separated by a century. The author explores their respective approaches to understanding human nature, the role of government, and the concept of liberty. While acknowledging key differences, particularly regarding the emphasis on individual rights in Locke versus the utilitarian focus on the greatest happiness for the greatest number in Bentham, the article highlights shared concerns with limiting the power of the state and promoting individual well-being. The piece situates both thinkers within their historical contexts, explaining how their ideas reflected and shaped the political and social landscapes of their times. It concludes by suggesting that despite their differences, both Locke and Bentham contributed significantly to the development of liberal thought

Jeremy bentham · Political science · American Constitutional Law and Politics · Historical Philosophy and Science · Law · Philosophy · Seventeenth-Century Political and Philosophical Thought