3 Aos meus pais Daguzan e Wanda. 4 AGRADECIMENTOS Ao meu orientador professor José Raimundo Novaes Chiappin, pelas idéias inovadoras e pelos debates efetuados comigo, ao longo de todo este trabalho. Ao professor Marco Antonio Zingano e à professora Maria das Graças pelos ensinamentos filosóficos. Ao professor Caetano Ernesto Plastino, por acompanhar-me, ainda que indiretamente, desde a minha entrada no curso de filosofia. Ao Departamento de Filosofia da FFLCH/USP e aos amigos que lá fiz. À

more »

... ssora Silvia Maria Schor, por estimular o debate de concepções econômicas alternativas à Neoclássica. Aos meus pais pelo apoio em tudo que realizei na minha vida. Aos queridos André, Guilherme e Rejane, pelo apoio direto no decorrer de todo este trabalho. A todos os meus amigos e aos meus irmãos que, indiretamente, contribuíram para a finalização deste trabalho. Abstract The aim of this work is to determine the limits between ethics and legislation through the theoretical conception of Jeremy Bentham. In order to achieve this aim, it will be done a rational reconstruction of his theoretical system, using The Methodology of Science Theory [MTC] and The Methodological of Scientific Research Programmes. Once done the Rational Reconstruction of the Bentham's Theoretical Conception, it will be demonstrated (through elements of his system) that the principle of utility indicates the limits between these fields. It means that, this principle will dictate the scope and the limits between the legislation and ethics. It will be possible to comprehend that establishing boundaries between ethics and legislation, through the principle of utility, means setting a balance analysis involving pleasure and pain. In contemporary language, it can be said that this examination will be done in terms of cost and benefit. The elaboration of legislation and the application of punishment to certain transgressions tend to generate social costs more elevated than the created benefit. In other words, the legislation shall not be applied to some kinds of transgressions, but only the rules of ethics.