There are strong indications that Utopia is not meant to be an alternative to existing states. More, almost certainly, never intended to write a political program for when he learned that Utopia was used by revolutionary reformist groups as a prescription he declared that, if he had known, he would have “never written the book at all, or, if the manuscript already existed, he would have had it burned”. Literary critics have even seen Utopia mainly as a ‘jeu d’esprit’ of an intellectual. However from the contrast of a state, which has banished all the mortal sins and exists on the premises of Christian moral grounds and of intelligence, rather than on passion and ecstasy, a form can be derived on which other states can be judged.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- I.1 The real and the ideal world
- I.2. The life of Thomas More
- II. Thomas More's Utopia
- II.1 Short synopsis of Utopia
- II.2 Description of the place
- II.3Political and social order
- II.4 Philosophical and Moral views and values
- II.5 Religion
- II.6 Laws and customs
- III. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to explore the concept of Utopia, as presented by Sir Thomas More, within the context of his life and the political climate of his time. The work examines how More's Utopia, though fictional, reflects the ideals and values of a society striving for a better world, particularly through its emphasis on Christian morality, social justice, and a rejection of the seven mortal sins.
- The philosophical underpinnings of Utopia, drawing on classical and medieval thought.
- The influence of Christian ideals and beliefs on More's vision of an ideal society.
- The political and social structures of Utopia, and their implications for governing and living in a utopian state.
- The role of morality and law in shaping the Utopian society, and how they contribute to its stability and happiness.
- The contrast between the ideal world of Utopia and the real world of More's contemporary society.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Chapter I: Introduction This chapter establishes the historical and philosophical context for understanding Thomas More's Utopia. It explores the concept of the ideal world and traces the development of ideas about morality and law in classical and medieval thought. The chapter highlights the influence of Platonism and Christian ethics on More's understanding of the world, and emphasizes the significance of the "great chain of being" in shaping medieval thought.
- Chapter I.1: The real and the ideal world This section delves deeper into the tension between the real and the ideal world, exploring the historical and societal factors that led to the development of utopian ideals. It examines the challenges of maintaining peace and order in a turbulent era, and highlights the role of religion and morality in shaping social and political structures. The chapter also explores how More's own political experiences may have influenced his views on Utopia.
- Chapter I.2: The life of Thomas More This section provides a biographical sketch of Sir Thomas More, exploring his early life, education, and political career. It highlights the key events and influences that shaped More's intellectual development and his commitment to Christianity and moral values. The chapter also sheds light on the political and social context in which More wrote Utopia, emphasizing the challenges of navigating a complex and often-volatile world.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this text include: Utopia, Sir Thomas More, Christian morality, ideal society, social justice, the great chain of being, Platonism, medieval thought, political structure, law, happiness, the seven mortal sins, ideal world, real world, Renaissance, political climate, English history.
- Quote paper
- Martin Bodden (Author), 2004, Thomas More: Utopia and the Vision of Ideal Life, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/28760
