Attention time travellers with a penchant for progressive philosophy: prepare for a week-long intellectual adventure in Georgian London, where we celebrate the birth of Jeremy Bentham, the father of utilitarianism, on February 15, 1748. This high-minded city break promises a mix of enlightenment, eccentricity, and a dash of hedonic calculus. Pack your powdered wig and prepare to ponder the greatest happiness principle.
Day 1: Arrival in Georgian London
Destination: Covent Garden
Step off your time machine into the bustling streets of 1748 London. Start your journey in Covent Garden, a hub of Georgian culture and commerce. Wander through the market stalls and listen to the chatter of merchants and philosophers. Check into a local coaching inn and toast to your arrival with a glass of claret.
Day 2: The Early Years of a Philosopher
Destination: Spitalfields, London
Visit the Bentham family home in Spitalfields, where Jeremy Bentham was born. Marvel at the elegant Georgian architecture and learn about the privileged upbringing that shaped his education and intellect. Jeremy’s father, a prosperous attorney, ensured that young Jeremy received a rigorous education—he was reading Latin by the age of three!
Day 3: A Scholar in the Making
Destination: Westminster School and Queen’s College, Oxford
Travel to Westminster School, where Bentham began his academic journey. Stroll through its historic halls before heading to Queen’s College, Oxford, where Bentham enrolled at the tender age of 12. Tour the college library and imagine the young prodigy poring over classical texts and forming the ideas that would one day revolutionize philosophy.
Day 4: The Principles of Utility
Destination: A Georgian Coffeehouse
Immerse yourself in the intellectual ferment of Georgian London by visiting a coffeehouse. Engage in spirited debates with scholars and political thinkers as you explore Bentham’s revolutionary concept of utilitarianism: the idea that actions should be judged by their ability to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Keep your wits about you—these thinkers don’t pull their punches.
Day 5: The Bentham Legacy
Destination: University College London (via time jump)
Jump ahead to the 21st century and visit the famous “Auto-Icon” of Jeremy Bentham at University College London. This preserved figure of Bentham, seated in a glass case, is a testament to his eccentricity and enduring legacy. Learn about his contributions to law, economics, and social reform—and snap a selfie with the man himself (sort of).
Day 6: A Georgian Banquet
Destination: A Wealthy Patron’s Home
Experience the culinary delights of 1748 at a Georgian banquet hosted by a wealthy patron. Dine on roast meats, jellies, and syllabubs while discussing Bentham’s future influence on prison reform, democracy, and animal rights. Debate whether his ideas would have earned him a place at the table or a bemused glance from his contemporaries.
Day 7: Reflection and Relaxation
Destination: Hyde Park
Conclude your week with a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park, one of London’s great green spaces. Reflect on the life and legacy of Jeremy Bentham while soaking in the sights and sounds of Georgian London. Contemplate how his philosophy of utilitarianism continues to shape modern ethics and public policy.
Did You Know?
- A Child Prodigy: Bentham began studying at Oxford at the age of 12, making him one of the youngest students in the university’s history.
- A Philosopher and Inventor: Bentham designed the Panopticon, a model prison that allowed a single guard to observe all inmates without them knowing.
- A Pioneer of Rights: Bentham advocated for animal rights and women’s equality, ideas that were radical for his time.
Tips for Time Travellers
- Blend In: Georgian London was a world of elegance and decorum. Dress the part with a frock coat or empire-waist gown.
- Engage in Debate: Coffeehouses are perfect for discussing philosophy, but be prepared to defend your views.
- Read Up: Familiarize yourself with Bentham’s key works, like An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, to impress your Georgian peers.
Want to Know More?
For further exploration of Jeremy Bentham’s life and ideas, check out these resources:
- Books:
- The Life of Jeremy Bentham by John Bowring
- Bentham and the Common Law Tradition by Gerald J. Postema
- Websites:
- University College London: Jeremy Bentham’s Auto-Icon (www.ucl.ac.uk)
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Jeremy Bentham (plato.stanford.edu)
- Articles:
- The Father of Utilitarianism on BBC History Extra
- Jeremy Bentham: Eccentric Philosopher and Social Reformer in The Guardian
A City Break for the Intellectually Curious
London in 1748 offers a fascinating glimpse into the birth of a philosopher whose ideas continue to resonate today. From the cobbled streets of Spitalfields to the hallowed halls of Oxford, this journey combines history, philosophy, and a dash of Georgian glamour. Pack your travel journal and prepare for a week of enlightenment and discovery.
