Jeremy Bentham - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) was a revolutionary English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer whose radical ideas on utilitarianism, legal reform, and individual rights continue to influence modern political and ethical thought. Known as the founder of philosophical utilitarianism and the "spiritual founder" of University College London, Bentham's intellectual legacy is matched only by the peculiar posthumous fate of his physical remains—his auto-icon, a preserved and dressed skeleton, still sits in a wooden cabinet at UCL, a testament to his enduring dedication to utility even in death.
First emerging as a prodigy in late 18th century London, Bentham's earliest known written works appeared while he was still a teenager studying at Queen's College, Oxford. His precocious intellect and questioning nature led him to challenge the fundamental premises of English common law and moral philosophy during a time of profound social and political upheaval in Europe and the Americas. His first major work, "A Fragment on Government" (1776), appeared anonymously and sent shockwaves through the legal establishment with its critique of William Blackstone's "Commentaries on the Laws of England."
Bentham's principle of "the greatest happiness of the greatest number" revolutionized ethical philosophy and inspired reforms across education, prison systems, and civil rights. His ideas found fertile ground in the minds of reformers worldwide, from South America to Russia, where his close friend and editor, Étienne Dumont, helped spread his influence through French translations. Perhaps most intriguingly, Bentham's advocacy for animal rights, gender equality, and the decriminalization of homosexuality placed him centuries ahead of his time, making him both a pariah among conservatives and a hero to progressives.
Today, Bentham's legacy lives on not only in his philosophical contributions but also in his fascinating final request—that his body be preserved as an "auto-icon" to inspire future generations. This unusual memorial, combined with his vast unpublished manuscripts (many still being decoded and digitized), continues to yield new insights into his thought. His vision of a more rational, humane society raises pressing questions about happiness, justice, and social reform that remain remarkably relevant in our contemporary world. As modern societies grapple with questions of utility, rights, and social justice, Bentham's ideas continue to challenge and inspire, proving that some philosophical questions—and their proponents—never truly die.