Jeremy Bentham was an English philosopher and social reformer, best known for founding the philosophy of utilitarianism. He believed that the best actions are those that promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. Bentham's ideas emphasized the importance of considering the consequences of actions, which influenced many areas of ethics and law.
In addition to his philosophical work, Bentham was an advocate for various social reforms, including animal rights and the abolition of slavery. He also proposed the idea of a panopticon, a design for a prison that would allow for efficient surveillance of inmates. His innovative thinking continues to impact modern philosophy and social policy.