本研究旨在探討英國詩人雪萊對當時英國改革運動及改革理論的觀點。研究發現，他主張政治與社會改革之必要性。至於改革步驟則強調以漸進的、平和的方式進行，反對透過激烈之革命或訴諸武力來達成。為達到此目的，必須先啟迪及教育國人之智能與德性。此外，研究亦發現，當時國內鎮壓措施對雪萊之政治思維影響頗大，他不願冒牢獄之災與破產之危險，這也許是使他成為溫和之改革者之原因。

　　　　　The purpose of this study is to discuss Shelley's views on the reform movement in his day in Britain, on the necessity of individual amendment, and on the doctrine of gradualism. The views spread through the whole of his prose and poetical works. He maintained social reform, political reform, and individual amendment are necessary. To this end, people must be enlightened and educated. A moral revolution must come before political improvement. During the course of reformation, Shelley advocated it without recourse to force; that is, true reform must be gradual, moderate, and peaceful, not violent revolutions. Besides, we also found regression had much effect on Shelley's political thinking. He did not want to risk prison sentence and financial ruin. This probably made him become a moderate reformer, rather than a violent one.