One perspective on the classical utilitarians (Bentham, James and John

Stuart Mill) is that they built their political philosophies on abstract

reasoning and without regard for history. The charge has some weight, but

it's also a charge they responded to, as Callum Barrell explains. Bentham

et al – Barrell adds George Grote to the mix – were more interested in

history than we give them credit for and this needs to be factored in when

analysing their thought.

Dr Callum Barrell is Associate Professor of Political Theory at

Northeastern University London