How did Jeremy Bentham use ethical ideas to support social reform?

Jeremy Bentham, the father of modern utilitarianism, utilized his ethical framework as a radical tool for social and legal reform. His philosophy was grounded in the principle that nature governs humanity through two sovereign masters: pleasure and pain. Consequently, he argued that the only meaningful definition of "right" and "wrong" is that which increases or decreases the net surplus of pleasure over pain.123

Bentham applied this principle to create a comprehensive system for evaluating and improving society. His approach included:24

• Legislative Reform: He argued that the objective of all legislation must be the "greatest happiness of the greatest number". He sought to modernize the legal system by replacing historical anomalies and technical fictions with a rational code that created an identity of interests among all citizens.536
• Institutional Critique: Bentham’s movement, known as philosophical radicalism, tested all policies and institutions—including the judiciary and prison system—against the principle of utility.51
• Democratic Advocacy: He advocated for parliamentary reform, including equal electoral districts, the secret ballot, and woman suffrage, believing these changes were necessary to maximize communal happiness.3

By insisting that "each to count for one, and none for more than one," Bentham provided an ethical basis for challenging inequality and promoting systemic change.2