One perspective on the classical utilitarians (Bentham, James and John
Stuart Mill) is that they built their political philosophies on abstract
reasoning and without regard for history. The charge has some weight, but
it's also a charge they responded to, as Callum Barrell explains. Bentham
et al – Barrell adds George Grote to the mix – were more interested in
history than we give them credit for and this needs to be factored in when
analysing their thought.
Dr Callum Barrell is Associate Professor of Political Theory at
Northeastern University London
History and Historiography in Classical Utilitarianism, 1800-1865 | New Work In Intellectual History podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast
