William Godwin

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/william-godwin

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was William Godwin born?March 3, 1756, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England
2. When did William Godwin die?April 7, 1836, London, England
3. What is William Godwin known for?Foundational anarchist philosophy, influential novels, and early utilitarian thought
4. What is the major works?An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice (1793), The Adventures of Caleb Williams (1794)
5. What is the career?Journalist, political philosopher, novelist, publisher, and bookseller
6. Who was William Godwin?He was a smart writer and thinker who believed people could live together without bosses and that kindness and reason should guide society.

Anarchism: A political philosophy advocating for stateless societies and self-governance, emphasizing individual liberty and voluntary cooperation.
Utilitarianism: An ethical framework prioritizing actions that maximize overall happiness and well-being for the greatest number of individuals.
Aristocratic Privilege: The unearned advantages and special rights enjoyed by members of the nobility or upper class.
Radicalism: A political philosophy advocating for fundamental or extreme social and political change.