The Acquisitive Society · Character

Bentham

Philosopher and legal reformer whose utilitarian ideas are critiqued in the context of industrial society.

minor

Bentham's tie to Providence is one of the pressures that moves The Acquisitive Society—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Not directly mentioned, but the critique of 'bloodless abstractions of experts' implicitly targets utilitarian thinkers like Bentham.

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With Providence (psychological): Bentham's utilitarian philosophy is contrasted with Providence as a rational, calculating force opposed to divine or natural order. With the Germans (psychological): Bentham's ideas are…

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Character Web

2 connections

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Relationship types

Psychological

Character groups

Critics of Property
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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Relationships

Providence
psychological · ambivalent
Bentham's utilitarian philosophy is contrasted with Providence as a rational, calculating… How this plays out →
the Germans
psychological · negative

Relationship notes

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In the story

Bentham appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Introductory
Not directly mentioned, but the critique of 'bloodless abstractions of experts' implicitly targets utilitarian thinkers like Bentham.
Rights and Functions
Bentham is presented as completing the shift from natural rights to utility, transferring emphasis from individual freedom to social expediency, yet still endorsing absolute property rights.
The Acquisitive Society
Mentioned in the context of the formula 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number' as a criterion for social organization.
Property and Creative Work
Quoted on the rationale of private property: 'If I despair of enjoying the fruits of labor, I shall only live from day to day; I shall not undertake labors which will only benefit my enemies.'
The Functional Society
Mentioned in the context of liberal thought and the critique of sinecures.

Chapter companion notes

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