Author: William Godwin

Place: England

Date of composition:  1793

Goal/Mission:

The mission of this book was to portray a positive vision of how an anarchist state would function.  The book was written during the heart of the French Revolution, a time where anarchy against the government was the right thing to do.  Also, this book was intended to be a recap of Edmund Burke's book A Vindication of Natural Society and an outline of political philosophy in the eighteenth century.  Furthermore, William Godwin wrote this as a book underlying the political philosophy of anarchy.

Religious component:  What role does it play in civic life?

In Godwin’s opinion, all religion does is control the way people think and make men hypocrites.  Also, religion in this time period had control over the state and thus caused civic life to be somewhat restricted.  In conclusion, Godwin states that religion brainwashes people and it does not create a healthy thinking environment.  He further believes that religion puts a chokehold on the basic freedoms of man and that it is unnecessary.   He seems to be an anarchist, someone who is for the idea of no governmental power over the people, for everything.

Describe his idea of the social contract.

Godwin believes the social contract should not mean that he must abide by the governmental rules.  He believes that people have the responsibility and the right to govern themselves because that is the best way for humans to progress and that is humans in their most natural state of being.  He states “And if I be obliged to submit to the established government till my turn comes to assent to it, upon what principle is that obligation founded? Surely not upon the contract into which my father entered before I was born?”  Godwin believes that his ancestors, the founders of humanity did a good job without government considering the human race survived this time period. 

What is his definition of happiness?

What is the source of human distress (what problems need to be solved)?

The source of human distress is humans not being able to live their lives freely.  They are always being controlled and constrained.  For example, either the government is putting rules in, or the church is telling the people what is morally right.  God win thinks that only the individual can decide what is morally right for him, based on his moral values.  Godwin is a pure anarchist, like many other 18^th century writers, and he believes that outside control can only hinder mankind, not help it.

What does he have to say about

Conduct

The conduct that Godwin preaches is that every man or woman should act in a way that will bring no harm to other people.  Also, obedience is something that each man must decide for themselves, however, it is morally correct for the people to act with justice and not hurt anybody else by doing their actions.

Sex and marriage

Although Godwin does not mention anything about sex, he does talk about marriage.  He says that marriage is like government in that it hinders the progression of mankind. 

Labor

With labor, people should work for themselves to be self reliant.  It is encourage to work for onself to provide for ones own self, but if people wish to work for the betterment of others then that is more than acceptable as well.

Economy: how sustained? Wealth & poverty? Private property?

People own their own property, it is theirs to own and theirs to govern.  The economy is very basic; people provide for themselves so there is no spending, however if the currency decided upon is trade than that is not 100% encouraged but it is acceptable. 

Agriculture & manufacturing

People should be able to make their own farm and cultivate products for themselves.  However, if the cultivator of the field wishes to trade or sell his product then he is more than free to do that. 

Law & justice

William Godwin believes that for the most part laws are not needed, and as Godwin has said about many other things this could hinder the progression of Man.  However, he does say that in some crucial and necessary circumstances laws or principles may be necessary.

Social organization

William Godwin believes that the social organization should be just regular people.  He also says that no person is equal because there are no two people who are the same in physical or mental appearance.  Also, he does not believe that a structure such as a government should be in charge and above the regular people. 

Power structure: who’s in charge?

Only people should govern themselves and abide by a moral code, because this is the best way for mankind to truly progress and become better. 

Foreign relations   

Godwin preaches foreign relations of non intervention because he does not think that nations should depend on another.  Also, he believes that the only wars fought should be wars that are in a defensive effort.  No country should ever go on the offensive because it does more harm than good.

What are your sources?

 Holderlin, Freon, comp. "William Godwin." Britanica. 15th ed. 2003. 

Godwin, William. "An Enquiry concerning Political Justice." Godwin, Political Justice. 1793. Univertsity of Pennsylvania. 26 Oct. 2008 <http://web.bilkent.edu.tr/online/www.english.upenn.edu/jlynch/frank/godwin/pjtp.html>.

William Godwin and Political Justice Analysis