Who introduced the concept of utilitarianism?

• A. Bentham
• B. Beccaria
• C. Maconochie
• D. Dix

Answer: (A)

Utilitarianism evaluates actions by their outcomes, aiming for the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Jeremy Bentham introduced this approach, framing it as the principle of utility and developing ideas like the hedonic calculus to measure pleasure and pain. The other figures contributed to criminal justice reform in different ways—Beccaria advanced classical criminology and deterrence, Maconochie promoted parole-style reforms, and Dix focused on humanitarian reform in care and prisons—but they did not introduce utilitarianism. Bentham’s clear articulation and systematic development of the utility concept make him the originator of utilitarianism, a foundation later expanded by thinkers like Mill.