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Justice: The State

In: William Godwin and Thomas Robert Malthus

Author

Listed:
  • David Reisman

    (University of Surrey)

Abstract

Godwin, an anarchist, anticipated that government would disappear once society was coordinated by face-to-face sanctions and the economy had been simplified into replicated response, slow to change. Human nature is not predatory but dependent upon approbation. In the short run there would nonetheless have to be a Hobbesian protective state, itself constrained by a multiperiod constitution lest the rulers become despots. Devolution brings the state closer to local opinion. The nation is evolving from monarchy and aristocracy (both of them of necessity corrupt) into (representative) democracy. Since ordinary citizens are ignorant and non-rational, even democracy tends to become oligarchy. The state will then be biased towards wealth. Public opinion, influenced by omniscient and beneficient leaders, will turn against it. In the run there will be no domestic politics and no warfare. The citizens will rely on economy and society to find their natural level as if guided by an invisible hand. Evolving norms supplant man-made laws which are always biased.

Suggested Citation

  • David Reisman, 2024. "Justice: The State," Springer Books, in: William Godwin and Thomas Robert Malthus, chapter 0, pages 59-86, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-62113-0_4
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-62113-0_4
    as

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