How to get away with murder: Bentham's and Mill's utilitarianism jurisprudence

Abstract

In the intricate tapestry of human thought, moral philosophy emerges as a profound realm where the boundaries of right and wrong, ethics and justice, converge. It is within this realm that Isaac Christopher Lubogo's compelling work, "How to Get Away with Murder: Bentham's and Mill's Utilitarianism Jurisprudence," unfurls its philosophical canvas, inviting readers on a contemplative journey of unprecedented depth. At its essence, this book presents an intellectual enigma of profound proportions. It grapples with the disconcerting question of whether the act of taking a human life, an act so universally abhorred, can ever find refuge within the rational confines of utilitarianism—the moral theory founded on the pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number. The book serves as both a portal and a crucible, drawing upon the philosophical legacies of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill to navigate the tumultuous waters of morality, ethics, and jurisprudence. Within the philosophical edifices constructed by these towering figures, we find ourselves at the crossroads of human values and rational calculation. Bentham's utilitarian calculus, with its relentless focus on quantifiable consequences and the maximization of utility, raises profound and unsettling questions. Can we truly weigh the worth of a life against the happiness of many? Can we reduce the moral enormity of murder to a mere calculation of pleasure and pain? These are questions that defy easy answers, and Lubogo's exploration takes us deep into the heart of these dilemmas. Yet, this work is not content with facile inquiries or facile condemnations. It pushes us to the boundaries of our moral intuitions and challenges us to confront the complexities of ethical reasoning. Through thought experiments, ethical dilemmas, and historical case studies, the book invites us to wrestle with the inescapable tension between the pursuit of the common good and the protection of individual rights and dignity. Moreover, Lubogo's provocative title conceals a deeper philosophical puzzle: can one ever truly escape the moral gravity of a heinous act, or are we forever ensnared by the inexorable forces of conscience and justice? This question serves as the philosophical epicenter of the narrative, prompting readers to probe the depths of their own convictions and beliefs. In this compelling synthesis of philosophy, ethics, and jurisprudence, Lubogo does not provide facile solutions but instead beckons us to embrace the discomfort of philosophical inquiry. His work serves as a testament to the enduring power of philosophy to provoke, challenge, and enlighten. It reminds us that at the heart of the human experience lies the inexhaustible wellspring of philosophical contemplation where we confront not only the complexities of the subject matter but also the profound implications for our understanding of morality, justice, and the very essence of being human. As we journey through the pages of "How to Get Away with Murder: Bentham's and Mill's Utilitarianism Jurisprudence," we are invited to embark on a philosophical odyssey that transcends the confines of conventional thought. It is a journey that promises not answers but profound insights into the moral intricacies of our existence, where the pursuit of the greatest good is shadowed by the profound questions that lie at the core of our humanity.