Bentham, Jeremy

Bentham, Jeremy (1748–1832)
Often regarded as the founder of modern utilitarianism, Bentham is best known for his texts on legal philosophy, and his programmes of social (especially penal) reform. He was a leading figure of classical criminology, which attempted to make the legal system more rational, and devised the panopticon—a design for the organization and architecture of prisons which facilitated maximum surveillance and control of inmates.