Principia Ethica · Character
Jeremy Bentham
The founder of utilitarianism, whose hedonistic calculus Moore treats as the origin of a tradition that Mill and Spencer then muddled further.
supporting
Also known as Bentham, himself
First appearance: ii naturalistic ethics
As a supporting figure in Principia Ethica, Jeremy Bentham is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Discussed in relation to the naturalistic fallacy, as his definition of 'right' as 'conducive to general happiness' is used to illustrate the fallacy.
Bentham stands at the head of the hedonistic lineage Moore examines, the source of the idea that pleasure alone is good and pain alone evil. Moore does not engage Bentham as extensively as Mill, but Bentham's shadow falls across the entire hedonism chapter — his calculus is the crude original that later utilitarians refined but never, in Moore's view, escaped. Bentham matters to the early arc because he represents the purest form of the error Moore is hunting: the assumption that because pleasure is good, 'good' must mean pleasure.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
6 connectionsA slice of how Jeremy Bentham sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Hedonistic ethics critics
- Utilitarian and egoist theorists
- Protagonist
- Broad ethical reference group
+1 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the text declares that we must finally understand what "good"…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Henry Sidgwick
professional · ambivalent
Sidgwick is presented as a successor and critic of Bentham's utilitarian calculus,… How this plays out →
- Herbert Spencer
professional · ambivalent
- Henry Sidgwick
professional · ambivalent
Sidgwick is presented as a successor and critic of Bentham's utilitarian calculus,… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Jeremy Bentham in ii naturalistic ethicsIn the story
Jeremy Bentham appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Jeremy Bentham unlock in the free preview.
See Jeremy Bentham in ii naturalistic ethics