An Inquiry Into the Principle of Right and of Government

What is Property?: An inquiry into the principle of right and of government

by Curtis Wilkie

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	703 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	505 pages
Hardcover	:	190 pages
Item Weight	:	14.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.25 x 0.5 x 9.75 inches

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By William Godwin

An Inquiry Into the Principle of Right and of Government is a seminal work in the history of political philosophy. Written by William Godwin in 1793, the book argues for the abolition of all forms of government and the establishment of a society based on individual liberty and equality. Godwin's ideas were highly influential in the development of anarchist and socialist thought, and his book remains a classic of political theory.

Godwin's starting point is the idea that all human beings are equal and that no one has the right to rule over others. He argues that government is a form of oppression that violates the natural rights of individuals. Godwin also argues that government is unnecessary, as individuals are capable of governing themselves through voluntary cooperation.

Godwin's ideas were radical for his time, and they continue to be controversial today. However, his book is a powerful and thought-provoking argument for individual liberty and equality. It is a must-read for anyone interested in political philosophy or the history of anarchism.

Summary

An Inquiry Into the Principle of Right and of Government is divided into two parts. The first part examines the concept of justice and argues that it is based on the principle of utility. Godwin argues that the only just actions are those that promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

The second part of the book examines the concept of government and argues that it is incompatible with justice. Godwin argues that government is a form of oppression that violates the natural rights of individuals. He also argues that government is unnecessary, as individuals are capable of governing themselves through voluntary cooperation.

Influence

An Inquiry Into the Principle of Right and of Government has had a profound influence on the development of anarchist and socialist thought. Godwin's ideas have been influential in the work of many other anarchists, including Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, Mikhail Bakunin, and Emma Goldman. Godwin's ideas have also been influential in the development of socialism, and his book has been cited as an inspiration by many socialists, including Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Criticism

An Inquiry Into the Principle of Right and of Government has also been the subject of criticism. Some critics have argued that Godwin's ideas are too idealistic and that they would not work in practice. Others have argued that Godwin's ideas are too extreme and that they would lead to chaos and disorder.

Despite the criticisms, An Inquiry Into the Principle of Right and of Government remains a classic of political philosophy. It is a powerful and thought-provoking argument for individual liberty and equality. It is a must-read for anyone interested in political philosophy or the history of anarchism.

What is Property?: An inquiry into the principle of right and of government

by Curtis Wilkie

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	703 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	505 pages
Hardcover	:	190 pages
Item Weight	:	14.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.25 x 0.5 x 9.75 inches

FREE