Samuel Johnson: 'Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.'

Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.

The quote "Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives" by Samuel Johnson, a renowned English writer of the 18th century, encapsulates a profound truth about the different responsibilities and perspectives that come with marriage. At its core, this quote suggests that the introduction of a spouse into one's life brings about a moral compass and a sense of accountability. However, let us delve deeper into this quote and explore an unexpected philosophical concept that adds further interest to its meaning.In a straightforward interpretation, Johnson implies that bachelors, who are single and without the commitment of a spouse, are solely responsible for their actions. This notion of bachelorhood is often associated with freedom and independence, as individuals have the liberty to make choices without considering a partner's thoughts or feelings. Bachelors can act in accordance with their conscience, without any external factors influencing their decisions.On the other hand, the latter part of the quote suggests that married men experience a shift in their conscience due to the presence of their wives. Marriage brings significant changes that impact personal choices and individual identities. By having a spouse, married men are no longer solely accountable to their own conscience but must also consider the well-being and happiness of their partner.Yet, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to further explore the contrast between bachelors and married men: Immanuel Kant's philosophy of moral responsibility. Kantian ethics postulates that our actions should be guided by universal moral principles and the notion of duty. According to Kant, acting out of a sense of duty is morally praiseworthy, while actions driven by inclination or self-interest may not hold the same moral weight.Applying Kant's philosophy to Samuel Johnson's quote, we can view the bachelor's conscience as being driven by personal inclination since they are solely accountable for their actions. However, a married man's conscience is intrinsically tied to duty, as they must consider the welfare of their spouse. Thus, while bachelors may be driven by personal desires or interests, married men are morally obligated to consider their wife's well-being and happiness when making decisions.Moreover, Kant emphasizes that moral responsibility is grounded in the choices we make, rather than external factors. Therefore, the introduction of a spouse into one's life does not imply that all single individuals lack a conscience or moral compass. Even bachelors possess a conscience, but their moral responsibility may differ from that of married men.In conclusion, Samuel Johnson's quote "Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives" highlights the contrasting moral responsibilities and perspectives that arise from marriage. Bachelors are afforded the freedom to act according to their conscience without considering the needs or desires of a partner. In contrast, married men are bound to their spouses and must consider their well-being when making choices. However, when we introduce Immanuel Kant's philosophy of moral responsibility, we gain a deeper understanding of the inherent differences between the conscience of bachelors and married men. While bachelors may act out of personal inclination, married men have an additional sense of duty to consider the happiness and welfare of their wives. Ultimately, Johnson's quote raises intriguing questions about the nature of conscience and moral responsibility within the context of marriage.