The Strange World ofThe Strange World of

JEREMY BENTHAMJEREMY BENTHAM

Jeremy Bentham Jeremy Bentham [1748-1832][1748-1832]Bentham studied Latinstudied Latin atat 3 3 & graduatedgraduated college at 15college at 15. His contribution was utilitarianismutilitarianism [philosophy that a moral philosophy that a moral act is one that produces the greatest act is one that produces the greatest happiness happiness for thefor the greatest number greatest number of of peoplepeople]

He was the spiritual leader of the University College London [UCL] for Catholicand Jewish students

He left his estate to UCL on the condition that his remainshis remains be present at all future board meetingsall future board meetings. This auto-iconauto-icon [wooden cabinet] has become famous. His body, using the South American headhunter techniques, was well preserved, except for his head. His head [with glass eyesglass eyes he had carried for 10 yrs] became grossly disfigured and had to be replaced by a wax head. replaced by a wax head.

BenthamBentham

For many years the real head sat on a platereal head sat on a plate between his legsbetween his legs. This head was frequently stolen and subject to many student student prankspranks. It was once used as a footballused as a football by students in the quad. These events led to the head being removed from display into a vaultvault where it is today.

Other rumors say the box containing his remains is wheeled into his remains is wheeled into senior college meetingssenior college meetings and that he is then listed in minutes as ‘present but not voting’‘present but not voting’. He is said to also have a vote on the council, but only when the vote is splitvote is split, and that he always always votes in favorvotes in favor of the motionof the motion.

Bentham – without his real headBentham – without his real head Bentham – with his head between his feetBentham – with his head between his feet

Let’s Take A Closer LookLet’s Take A Closer Look