History and Historiography in Classical Utilitarianism, 1800-1865

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