'To a rational being there can be but one rule of conduct, justice, and one mode
of ascertaining that rule, the exercise of his understanding.' Godwin's Politic
al Justice is the founding text of philosophical anarchism. Written in the immed
iate aftermath of the French Revolution, it exemplifies the political optimism f
elt by many writers and intellectuals. Godwin drew on enlightenment ideas and hi
s background in religious dissent for the principles of justice, utility, and th
e sanctity of individual judgement that drove his powerful critique of all forms
of secular and religious authority.
