503: Discussion Board - Bentham and Marx

503: Discussion Board 04
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Both Bentham and Marx were social thinkers whose ideas gave clear representation of a true nature of human society. While Marx was a revolutionary communist, Bentham was an individualistic and liberal. This paper summarizes the most important political-related ideas contributed by Bentham and Marx. The paper also aims to understand how such ideas impact political philosophy and examine how ideas of these great philosophers are being reflected in modern public policy.
Bentham founded utilitarianism; a philosophical ideology that considers that an action is wrong or right depends on its good or bad consequences. He argues that all human beings are equal and, thus, should be treated as equals. Bentham believed that there is no special class of people suited to rule. He believed can government promote social reform, and without restriction of individuals’ freedom. His ideas helped to prevent affliction of suffering, promoted electoral reform and voting right. Bentham advocated justice and love to prevail in the society. Bentham’s utilitarianism principle can be found the Bible scripture. “In John 11:49-52, it is clear that Caiaphas proclaimed that it was better for one individual to die for the people rather than the entire country perished. This was a prophetic statement that Caiaphas claimed. It was God’s plan that for it to be better for one person dies for humanity. Jesus accepted to die for humanity for the whole world. This was the greatest love shown for humanity (John: 15-13). Bentham’s principle of utility (the greatest happiness principle) helped to reform legislation. He felt that the function of the law was to enhance the greatest happiness within the limitations of government. His ideas helped to bring reforms in prisons, civil service, and criminal law. His ideas led to a passage of bills that abolished physical punishment, slavery and also the death penalty.
Karl Marx views politics as a manifestation of the material world and economics. From the history of human beings, governance of humanity was strife between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. In the past, people traded, battered, and lived in communal lives. Then, historical development led to the ownership of personal property, development of capitalism and currency. Under capitalism system, workers were exploited at the expense of profiting the property owners. It was this period when workers unjustly sold their labors for le...