A former dissenting minister, Godwin published a work in 1793 that made him the first great theoretical defender of anarchism. He argued that reason and impartial benevolence would make government unnecessary. He was married to Mary Wollstonecraft and was the father of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein.
Core ideas
The right action is the one that produces the greatest good, even if it goes against family ties or promises
Government is an evil that the progress of reason will make dispensable
Human actions are determined by causes, so education and debate can change them
The tradition: Utilitarian anarchism
Utilitarian anarchism rejects the State because impartial reason, aimed at the general good, is enough to guide common life. Godwin founded this line and defended it by persuasion, not violence.
