1822. Aug 13.

Constitut. Code.

Ch.1 First Principles

1.

Position 1. Axiom as to propriety. Right and proper end of government, happiness of all . Or, so far as incompatibility has place, say of greatest number. Corresponding principle greatest happiness principle. Corresponding end or object right and proper end or object.

2.

Position 2. Position or say axiom as to fact . Actual end of government every where greatest happiness of governors. Corresponding principles. Rulers object indicating principle. Corresponding end an object sinister end or object.

3.

Proofs of the position 1. Experience as to as brought to view by history. 2. Experience as to man in general, as brought to view by history and daily intercourse.

4.

Position indicative of this experience in the general tenor of life self regarding interest is predominant over all other interests put together.

4 contind.

Shortly thus. Self-regard predominant: or thus — self-preference has place every where. Corresponding principle indicating self-preference principle.

5.

In some eyes this will be an axiom: in others not.

6.

An axiom, a position which no man can argue against without absurdity. Example, Eyelids.

7.

For satisfaction of doubters, for proof take the existence of the species. Cases of infants and other helpless persons excepted, suppose ease of A's Happiness exclusively by B and of B's by A in few weeks the species would be extinct.

8.

Of all modes of location different from the actual one, the above is the most simple. Plan of separation the more complex the more speedy the destruction. A for example, instead of being committed to B, care of A was divided between B and C: care of B & C. in the same manner.

9

Through the instances in which this self- preference had place were no more than a bare majority, still on this supposition, not on the opposite one, should all political arrangements be grounded.

By universal acknowledgement, probability is as the majority to the minority of instances.

10.

If in any instance happiness of one man could receive unlimited encrease without diminution happiness of any other the more general expression might serve without limitation: but this is not the case. Hence, necessity of frequently saying not universal happiness, but greatest numbers d o .

11.

But if happiness , the corresponding word interest be employed universal may serve for the interest of all or greatest numbers's interest.