Bentham and Owen on entrepreneurship and social reform

Despite Jeremy Bentham's investment in New Lanark's cotton mills, led by Robert Owen, he showed little interest in the venture or its innovative model society. This study examines whether Owen's entrepreneurial and social reform efforts aligned with Bentham's theoretical frameworks of the 'projector' and the pursuit of the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Through historical analysis, it explores the origins of Bentham's shareholding and assesses the fit between New Lanark's practices and Bentham's managerial theories and reform ideals. The research aims to clarify why Bentham did not engage more deeply with Owen's pioneering social experiment.

Trincado, E., & Santos-Redondo, M. (2012). Bentham and Owen on entrepreneurship and social reform. The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, 21(2), 252–277. https://doi.org/10.1080/09672567.2012.683877