What key concept did Bentham introduce?

Bentham introduced the concept of utilitarianism, which is a philosophical theory that suggests the best actions are those that maximize overall happiness or well-being. Utilitarianism is grounded in the belief that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome, specifically, its contribution to the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

This concept emerged during the Enlightenment period, a time characterized by the application of reason and empirical evidence in understanding human behavior and society. Bentham's ideas challenged existing moral frameworks by shifting the focus from strict moral codes to the consequences of actions, effectively advocating for a form of consequentialism.

Utilitarianism has had a profound impact on social and political thought, influencing everything from legal reforms to public policy, as it provided a systematic approach to evaluating actions based on their utility. This idea has been crucial in discussions surrounding ethics, economics, and governance, encouraging decision-making that prioritizes the welfare of the majority.