Douglas Mao
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- May 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780691199252
- eISBN:
- 9780691211640
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691199252.001.0001
- Subject:
- Literature, Criticism/Theory
Examining literary and philosophical writing about ideal societies from Greek antiquity to the present, this book offers a striking new take on utopia's fundamental project. Noting that utopian ...
More
Examining literary and philosophical writing about ideal societies from Greek antiquity to the present, this book offers a striking new take on utopia's fundamental project. Noting that utopian imagining has often been propelled by an angry conviction that society is badly arranged, the book argues that utopia's essential aim has not been to secure happiness, order, or material goods, but rather to establish a condition of justice in which all have what they ought to have. The book also makes the case that hostility to utopias has frequently been associated with a fear that they will transform humanity beyond recognition, doing away with the very subjects who should receive justice in a transformed world. Further, the book shows how utopian writing speaks to contemporary debates about immigration, labor, and other global justice issues. Along the way, the book connects utopia to the Greek concept of nemesis, or indignation at a wrong ordering of things, and advances fresh readings of dozens of writers and thinkers — from Plato, Thomas More, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edward Bellamy, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and H. G. Wells to John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Fredric Jameson, Ursula Le Guin, Octavia Butler, and Chang-Rae Lee. The book offers a vital reconsideration of what it really means to imagine an ideal society.Less
Examining literary and philosophical writing about ideal societies from Greek antiquity to the present, this book offers a striking new take on utopia's fundamental project. Noting that utopian imagining has often been propelled by an angry conviction that society is badly arranged, the book argues that utopia's essential aim has not been to secure happiness, order, or material goods, but rather to establish a condition of justice in which all have what they ought to have. The book also makes the case that hostility to utopias has frequently been associated with a fear that they will transform humanity beyond recognition, doing away with the very subjects who should receive justice in a transformed world. Further, the book shows how utopian writing speaks to contemporary debates about immigration, labor, and other global justice issues. Along the way, the book connects utopia to the Greek concept of nemesis, or indignation at a wrong ordering of things, and advances fresh readings of dozens of writers and thinkers — from Plato, Thomas More, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edward Bellamy, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and H. G. Wells to John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Fredric Jameson, Ursula Le Guin, Octavia Butler, and Chang-Rae Lee. The book offers a vital reconsideration of what it really means to imagine an ideal society.
Joseph Chan
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691158617
- eISBN:
- 9781400848690
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691158617.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter contends that the idea of human rights is compatible with the Confucian understanding of ethics and society, but that in the ideal society people will be guided by precepts of ...
More
This chapter contends that the idea of human rights is compatible with the Confucian understanding of ethics and society, but that in the ideal society people will be guided by precepts of benevolence and virtues rather than by considerations of human rights. Thus, human rights do not play an important practical role in an ideal society, for the same reason that rites are not important in the Grand Union. However, in nonideal situations, where virtuous relationships break down and mediation fails to reconcile conflicts, human rights can become a powerful fallback apparatus for the vulnerable to protect their legitimate interests against exploitation. The importance of human rights lies in its instrumental function. But unlike liberalism, Confucian ethics would not take human rights as constitutive of human worth or dignity.Less
This chapter contends that the idea of human rights is compatible with the Confucian understanding of ethics and society, but that in the ideal society people will be guided by precepts of benevolence and virtues rather than by considerations of human rights. Thus, human rights do not play an important practical role in an ideal society, for the same reason that rites are not important in the Grand Union. However, in nonideal situations, where virtuous relationships break down and mediation fails to reconcile conflicts, human rights can become a powerful fallback apparatus for the vulnerable to protect their legitimate interests against exploitation. The importance of human rights lies in its instrumental function. But unlike liberalism, Confucian ethics would not take human rights as constitutive of human worth or dignity.
Janet Semple
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198273875
- eISBN:
- 9780191684074
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198273875.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter discusses Jeremy Bentham's plans and visions for his panopticon prison project. Scattered notes among his papers reveal the detail and substance of his prison plans and afford new ...
More
This chapter discusses Jeremy Bentham's plans and visions for his panopticon prison project. Scattered notes among his papers reveal the detail and substance of his prison plans and afford new insights into the nature of his ideal society. The notes dating to 1794 were more bizarre and grandiose than the later notes inspired by the Finance Committee report and the possibility of a temporary panopticon in 1798. The chapter suggests that Bentham's private vision of the development of the panopticon indicates that the utopian elements have their roots firmly in his original scheme and are thus an essential part of his thought.Less
This chapter discusses Jeremy Bentham's plans and visions for his panopticon prison project. Scattered notes among his papers reveal the detail and substance of his prison plans and afford new insights into the nature of his ideal society. The notes dating to 1794 were more bizarre and grandiose than the later notes inspired by the Finance Committee report and the possibility of a temporary panopticon in 1798. The chapter suggests that Bentham's private vision of the development of the panopticon indicates that the utopian elements have their roots firmly in his original scheme and are thus an essential part of his thought.
Barbara Charlesworth Gelpi
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195073843
- eISBN:
- 9780199855179
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195073843.003.0006
- Subject:
- Literature, 19th-century Literature and Romanticism
The chapter analyzes the third act of Shelley’s play, “Prometheus Unbound,” and follows the sequence of events from the fall of Jupiter to the release of Prometheus and his union with Asia. In this ...
More
The chapter analyzes the third act of Shelley’s play, “Prometheus Unbound,” and follows the sequence of events from the fall of Jupiter to the release of Prometheus and his union with Asia. In this act, the tyrannical “Father” is overthrown indirectly through Prometheus and his foreknowledge, in union with the feminine—Mother Earth and his lover. Jupiter is replaced by his son Demogorgon, who is seen as a creative and unifying force, instead of destructive and oppressive. The influence of William Godwin’s philosophies are present in the play, which mirrors Shelley’s vision of an ideal society free from the power of tyrannical institutions and thus enabling its inhabitants to become reformed as well. Through his work, Shelley had intended to support and possibly effect this reformation. The act’s conclusion in the Spirit of the Hour’s speech expands Shelley’s vision for mankind to include a renewal of the cosmos as well.Less
The chapter analyzes the third act of Shelley’s play, “Prometheus Unbound,” and follows the sequence of events from the fall of Jupiter to the release of Prometheus and his union with Asia. In this act, the tyrannical “Father” is overthrown indirectly through Prometheus and his foreknowledge, in union with the feminine—Mother Earth and his lover. Jupiter is replaced by his son Demogorgon, who is seen as a creative and unifying force, instead of destructive and oppressive. The influence of William Godwin’s philosophies are present in the play, which mirrors Shelley’s vision of an ideal society free from the power of tyrannical institutions and thus enabling its inhabitants to become reformed as well. Through his work, Shelley had intended to support and possibly effect this reformation. The act’s conclusion in the Spirit of the Hour’s speech expands Shelley’s vision for mankind to include a renewal of the cosmos as well.
Vic George
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847427069
- eISBN:
- 9781447302728
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847427069.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Comparative and Historical Sociology
This chapter discusses the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whose work on poverty and inequality and theses on balance are well-known. The discussion begins with his views on human nature before it ...
More
This chapter discusses the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whose work on poverty and inequality and theses on balance are well-known. The discussion begins with his views on human nature before it looks at his historical premise that the march of civilisation has reduced both liberty and equality. A section on the intricate connection between private property and poverty is included, as well as a discussion on Rousseau's view on the role of women in society. His ideas on education and the concept of an ideal society are examined carefully.Less
This chapter discusses the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whose work on poverty and inequality and theses on balance are well-known. The discussion begins with his views on human nature before it looks at his historical premise that the march of civilisation has reduced both liberty and equality. A section on the intricate connection between private property and poverty is included, as well as a discussion on Rousseau's view on the role of women in society. His ideas on education and the concept of an ideal society are examined carefully.
Michael J. Lewis
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780691171814
- eISBN:
- 9781400884315
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691171814.003.0003
- Subject:
- Architecture, Architectural History
This chapter examines the notion of “Utopia.” It is widely known that Utopia means “no place.” However, few know that it is pronounced just the same as eutopoeia, meaning “good place.” In short, ...
More
This chapter examines the notion of “Utopia.” It is widely known that Utopia means “no place.” However, few know that it is pronounced just the same as eutopoeia, meaning “good place.” In short, Utopia is that great good place that is nowhere to be found. And with this word, coined exactly five hundred years ago, Thomas More (1478–1535) gave us history's most famous pun. More hardly intended Utopia to be a manifesto for Protestant ideal communities. In writing Utopia, his goal was much the same as that of Plato's Republic, as a speculative philosophical essay as to what a perfectly ordered society should be. Yet there was much in Utopia that Protestants found congenial, including the emphasis on reason over superstition, the utopian practice of electing priests by popular vote, and the absence of all images of God in their temples. The most radical idea in Utopia is that in order to make an ideal city one must also make an ideal society.Less
This chapter examines the notion of “Utopia.” It is widely known that Utopia means “no place.” However, few know that it is pronounced just the same as eutopoeia, meaning “good place.” In short, Utopia is that great good place that is nowhere to be found. And with this word, coined exactly five hundred years ago, Thomas More (1478–1535) gave us history's most famous pun. More hardly intended Utopia to be a manifesto for Protestant ideal communities. In writing Utopia, his goal was much the same as that of Plato's Republic, as a speculative philosophical essay as to what a perfectly ordered society should be. Yet there was much in Utopia that Protestants found congenial, including the emphasis on reason over superstition, the utopian practice of electing priests by popular vote, and the absence of all images of God in their temples. The most radical idea in Utopia is that in order to make an ideal city one must also make an ideal society.
Alex Yong Kang Chow
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9781501740916
- eISBN:
- 9781501740930
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9781501740916.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
This chapter discusses how the Umbrella Movement was an instance of prefigurative politics. Prefigurative politics refers to political actions or movements in which political ideals are ...
More
This chapter discusses how the Umbrella Movement was an instance of prefigurative politics. Prefigurative politics refers to political actions or movements in which political ideals are experimentally realized in the “here and now,” in which activists attempt to construct aspects of the ideal society envisioned in the present, rather than waiting for them to be realized in a distant future. It means that political principles are embodied in current behavior, not put on hold until the time is deemed right for them to be deployed. Analyzing the everyday culture of the seventy-nine-day occupation through the lens of prefigurative politics, the chapter then shows two salient dynamics that propelled and fractured the movement. First, occupiers built an alternative urban commons that embraced equality, sharing, and solidarity in everyday life, envisioning a utopian socioeconomic order different from the existing one in Hong Kong. Second, throughout the movement, occupiers and leaders struggled with the idea and practice of leadership. The predicament of ambivalent, ambiguous, and fragmented leadership in what some protesters deemed a “leaderless” movement led to indecision at several critical junctures of the movement.Less
This chapter discusses how the Umbrella Movement was an instance of prefigurative politics. Prefigurative politics refers to political actions or movements in which political ideals are experimentally realized in the “here and now,” in which activists attempt to construct aspects of the ideal society envisioned in the present, rather than waiting for them to be realized in a distant future. It means that political principles are embodied in current behavior, not put on hold until the time is deemed right for them to be deployed. Analyzing the everyday culture of the seventy-nine-day occupation through the lens of prefigurative politics, the chapter then shows two salient dynamics that propelled and fractured the movement. First, occupiers built an alternative urban commons that embraced equality, sharing, and solidarity in everyday life, envisioning a utopian socioeconomic order different from the existing one in Hong Kong. Second, throughout the movement, occupiers and leaders struggled with the idea and practice of leadership. The predicament of ambivalent, ambiguous, and fragmented leadership in what some protesters deemed a “leaderless” movement led to indecision at several critical junctures of the movement.
Julia Annas
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- November 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198755746
- eISBN:
- 9780191816895
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198755746.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The Laws opens with a new methodology. Instead of presenting a sketch of an ideal state in the course of answering a philosophical question about virtue, like the Republic, the work shows us how ...
More
The Laws opens with a new methodology. Instead of presenting a sketch of an ideal state in the course of answering a philosophical question about virtue, like the Republic, the work shows us how representatives of conservative cultures such as Sparta and Crete can be brought by their Athenian visitor to expand their horizons and to enlarge, from within their own outlooks, their views not only about the value of the Athenian drinking party but about good forms of government. The introductory books prepare the reader for the way that a Spartan way of life, readily obedient to law and with required common education, will be tempered by institutions brought in from Athens, making citizens more participatory and more accountable to one another.Less
The Laws opens with a new methodology. Instead of presenting a sketch of an ideal state in the course of answering a philosophical question about virtue, like the Republic, the work shows us how representatives of conservative cultures such as Sparta and Crete can be brought by their Athenian visitor to expand their horizons and to enlarge, from within their own outlooks, their views not only about the value of the Athenian drinking party but about good forms of government. The introductory books prepare the reader for the way that a Spartan way of life, readily obedient to law and with required common education, will be tempered by institutions brought in from Athens, making citizens more participatory and more accountable to one another.
Lucy C. M. M. Jackson
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- January 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780198844532
- eISBN:
- 9780191880025
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198844532.003.0008
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Plays and Playwrights: Classical, Early, and Medieval, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
The chorus is frequently used as an analogue for the dynamics between a leader and those who follow. Chapter 7 focuses on two early ‘political theorists’, Xenophon and Plato, and the way they often ...
More
The chorus is frequently used as an analogue for the dynamics between a leader and those who follow. Chapter 7 focuses on two early ‘political theorists’, Xenophon and Plato, and the way they often reach for the image of a chorus as a means to illustrate and elucidate their arguments about leadership and the ideal society. While Xenophon tends towards a practical application of the dynamics between leader and led, found in choral training and performance, Plato is shown to go much further in his delineation of these dynamics, and their proposed practical use in his construction of the ‘second-best city’ in his Laws. Plato’s peculiar picture of the chorus, as a place where individuals lose their rationality and give themselves over to a child-like, ductile state, suits his overall aims in his construction of the city of Magnesia, but, the chapter argues, necessitates a profoundly distorted picture of ancient choreia.Less
The chorus is frequently used as an analogue for the dynamics between a leader and those who follow. Chapter 7 focuses on two early ‘political theorists’, Xenophon and Plato, and the way they often reach for the image of a chorus as a means to illustrate and elucidate their arguments about leadership and the ideal society. While Xenophon tends towards a practical application of the dynamics between leader and led, found in choral training and performance, Plato is shown to go much further in his delineation of these dynamics, and their proposed practical use in his construction of the ‘second-best city’ in his Laws. Plato’s peculiar picture of the chorus, as a place where individuals lose their rationality and give themselves over to a child-like, ductile state, suits his overall aims in his construction of the city of Magnesia, but, the chapter argues, necessitates a profoundly distorted picture of ancient choreia.
