Thomas More's Utopia: A Renaissance Ideal of Society

Thomas More's Utopia (1516)

The Concept of Utopia

Utopia explores the idea of a perfect society, a concept that, by definition, cannot be achieved in reality. Moore coined the term "utopia" to describe this ideal.

Social Criticism and the Emerging State

The book applies reason to social criticism and examines the emerging state. The first half of Utopia describes an unjust society grappling with issues like enclosure, monetary policy, and rural emigration (dissolution of feudal mores). These problems, prevalent for generations, reflect the challenges faced by English society at the time.

Zeitgeist and Dystopias

Zeitgeist, or spirit of the time, refers to the dominant assumptions shaping a particular era. In the context of Utopia, it encompasses the prevailing ideas of the preceding 15 years, including the various crises (economic, political, moral) that had occurred. This tumultuous period gave rise to dystopian visions, contrasting with More's utopian ideal.

Prescription: The State (Part 1)

• Few but Clear Laws: An extremely democratic ideal advocating for laws that are easily understood by all citizens.
• State-Controlled Economy: The state directs economic and trade policy, primarily through mercantilism, a form of capitalism controlled by the crown, where economic activity serves the monarchy.
• Expansion of Elected Offices: This includes extending elections to the priesthood.
• Utopo's Role: Utopo, a fictional king, acts as the ruler within this utopian world.

In this society, literacy (reading and writing) remained a privilege for the minority. Notably, the English alphabet, derived from the Greek, was designed for ease of learning to ensure widespread understanding of the law.

Prescription: Society (Part 2)

Utopian society is characterized by extreme egalitarianism and collectivism, where everyone is considered equal.

• Egalitarian Regime:
  • Collectivization of work
  • Abolition of private property
  • Government control over all aspects of life, including leisure time, which is regimented and dedicated to "cultivating the spirit."
  • Strict discipline: fixed schedules, shared resources, communal meals.
  • Submission to the community, with state intervention even extending to family planning (limiting the number of births).
  • Elevation of virtue (arête) to its highest degree.
• Perfect/Static Society: St. More aligns with collectivist thought, drawing inspiration from monastic and early Christian communities. This aligns with the theology of liberation, a form of Christian communism.

A society that does not evolve cannot improve further, as it is deemed already perfect. St. More attempts to eliminate emotions in his utopian model. Recognizing the changing feudal system, he creates an excessively rational system. The fictional character Hitlodeo, a sailor who has traveled to Utopia, serves as a mouthpiece for More's nuanced perspective, stating, "I cannot agree with everything Hitlodeo says."