william godwin
Ethical issues have allways been a topic of discussion amongst various philosophers. One of those philosophers is William Godwin who wrote about partiality and favouritism in his work entilted Enquiry concerning Political Justice. Only after careful reaserch of Godwins theories one can form an opinion. Godwin's theories bring about two types of people one being more important to society than the other. "Partialism, any favoured treatment for oneself or those to whom one is specially related, is for Godwin ethically improper." (Western Philosophy 438) Godwin strongly didnt agree with the idea of partialism, he thought that to be ethical one should always do what is in the best intrest of society. Partialism refers to giving more attention or favouring treatment to people who you are emotionally attached to. This brings about the basis of Godwins point. "If two people (a philanthropic arch-bishop and a chambermaid) are trapped in a burning building, and I can rescue only one, then I should rescue the one who can do most good for mankind as a whole. Given that this is the archbishop, then it is he who should be rescued; I should resolutly set aside the fact that the chambermaid happens to be my mother, for 'What magic
Godwin takes the time to look at the other side of the argument as well. He says that "my wife or my mother may be a fool or a prostitute, malicious, lying or dishonest."(Godwin 440) Then he goes on to talk about how retribution or a thanks may be deserved on the part of the emotional other because ones mother has has endured for him many pains. One instance of those pains in that of childbirth, which is a very strong point because without that i wouldnt of been here. He then goes on to bring his point in by showing one that all the pain that the one has endured at their expense for me is of signifigent importance of a person who is better for the society as a whole. Due to the fact that a person who can do more for everyone in a society, in Godwins eyes, should still be the one to get out of a burning house. William Godwin also said in his work Enquiry concerning Political Justice, that "We are not connected with one or two percipient beings, but with society, a nation, and in some sense with the whole family of mankind." (Godwin 439) Godwin feels as though we are equally related to society as we are to family. He says that we are not only related to one or two people but we are related to everyone because we are all one. When it comes to my views on partialism I have to agree with it and go against all of Godwins views. I as a person wouldnt b
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Approximate Word count = 925
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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