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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Jeremy Bentham
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(1748–1832) Philosopher who became the leading exponent of utilitarianism – the theory that any action should be judged only according to whether it promotes 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number'. Expounded in 1789 in Bentham's Principles of Morals and Legislation, it was a philosophy which became associated with a harshly practical view of life. It was particularly popular with factory owners, because it seemed to justify the 'lesser happiness' of the losers. Bentham is remembered also for his rational and influential design for a *prison, the 'panopticon', and for the eccentric clause in his will that his body was to be dissected in the presence of his friends. The skeleton was dressed in his own clothes and still sits today, in a glass-fronted case, in University College, London.
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