You are at a public lecture in 1764 in England. The speaker argues that right of governments to punish offenders derives from a contractual obligation among the citizenry not to pursue self-interest at the expense of others. Who is the likely speaker?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jeremy Bentham is the most likely speaker among the options, as his philosophical work laid the groundwork for the modern theory of social contract and utilitarianism, which argues for the greatest happiness of the greatest number and sees laws and punishments as a means to that end. The other figures listed were active in different areas of social and political reform and at different times.

You Are at a Public Lecture in 1764 in England