Reading Assignment for Section 3.3
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 3.3: Bentham and the Utilitarians.
What You Will Learn
In this section, you will explore the foundations of utilitarianism and its emphasis on maximizing societal happiness as a guiding principle for law and justice. You will examine Jeremy Bentham’s contributions to shifting legal thought toward a scientific, outcome-based approach and how his ideas influenced penal reform. Finally, you will analyze both the criticisms of utilitarianism and its lasting impact on contemporary legal and criminological thought.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 3.3
- SLO 1: Understand utilitarianism’s core principle of maximizing societal happiness and its impact on legal theory.
- SLO 2: Recognize Bentham’s role in transitioning legal thought to a more scientific, outcome-based framework.
- SLO 3: Identify the influence of Bentham’s utilitarianism on penal reform and criminal justice systems.
- SLO 4: Analyze the opposition to utilitarianism and its ethical implications in modern legal practices.
- SLO 5: Evaluate the contemporary relevance of Bentham’s philosophy in shaping legal and criminological thought.
Modification History File Created: 02/15/2024 Last Modified: 02/19/2025
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