Jeremy Bentham was an English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer who is considered the founder of utilitarianism. He advocated for the principle of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering as the basis for ethical decision-making and public policy. Bentham also made significant contributions to the fields of ethics, political philosophy, and legal theory. He is best known for his work on the theory of utilitarianism and his ideas about social and legal reform, including his proposal for a panopticon prison design. Bentham's influence on modern political and ethical thought continues to be significant.