The principle of utility in the view of J. Bentham

The article considers the principle of utility in the view of the British economist and jurist Jeremy Bentham. Historical origins of this principle are examined. The interdependence of the principle and the sophistic school is shown. The article reveals Jeremy Bentham’s point of view on the concepts of “society” and “individual”, the right and law, “pleasure” and “suffering”, freedom of action and restriction of liberty, rights and responsibilities. Based on the analysis of different works, the authors specify the standpoint of Jeremy Bentham, according to which the main objective of the government is to increase pleasure and decrease sufferings of the individual and the society as a whole. Also, the authors mention four sources from which, according to Bentham, “pleasure” and “pain” derive: 1) physical, 2) political, 3) moral, and 4) religious. Their contents are revealed.