William Godwin’s Theory Of State

William Godwin(1756-1836) grew up in the early Industrial Revolution in Britain, had experienced the booming of bourgeoisie, the French Revolution, influenced by the French Enlightenment thinkers, who were representative of the interests of pretty bourgeoisie. His theory of the state formed in the late eighteenth century, mainly reflected the common aspiration of the petty bourgeoisie, the urban and rural poor.In my paper, I studied his theory deeply, mainly by historical analysis and comparative analysis, summed up the main ideas. Being restored to his time and the history of the state theory, to explore its significance in the whole phylogeny and our time. Influenced by traditional progressive culture, Godwin insisted the progressive anarchism, rationalist epistemology was respected the only correct methodology. But, not pure. At the very start,Godwin saw the one-sidedness of rationalism epistemology, insisted to adhere to the rational combination of experience and epistemology, but eventually fell into rationalism quagmire.Godwin believed that the goal of humanity is to get more joy and happiness. Although the regime appeared for safety, but in such an evil cycle, injustice and violence is the incentive of regime, the security is direct purpose. It is against the independence and freedom of humanity, and a few people’s ambitions and evil behaviors contribute to its expansion and centralization. His idea of state is, narrow the field of public power, strengthen private rights,respect people’s autonomy and social adjustment. Due to human’s self-development, public power will disintegrate, gradually. At that time, individuals form small communes, enjoy in harmonious life, filled up with free, fair, fraternity, mutual assistance and sharing, seek comprehensive development.