Ernst Bloch zum 140. Geburtstag: Hoffnung, trotz allem

Written around 1623 and published posthumously in 1627, 'New Atlantis' is a philosophical and utopian work by Francis Bacon. The story follows a group of sailors who discover the mysterious island of Bensalem, where they encounter a society governed by a democratically elected parliament and guided by the principles of Salomon’s House, an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the study of nature. The novel emphasizes the integration of science and ethics in governance and highlights Bacon’s vision of a society where knowledge and reason are central to human progress and happiness.

Written in 1516, 'Utopia' by Sir Thomas More is a seminal work of fiction that presents an ideal society on a fictional island. The book is divided into two parts: the first critiques the social and economic issues of early 16th-century England, while the second introduces the Utopian society as a potential solution. Utopia is characterized by communal property, no class distinctions or poverty, little crime, religious freedom, and a strict egalitarian system. More uses this imaginary society to highlight the flaws of European politics and society of his time, advocating for a more just and equal world. The work is notable for its influence on later socialist and communist thought and continues to be a subject of discussion in political theory and philosophy.

In *Das Prinzip Hoffnung* entfaltet Ernst Bloch eine umfangreiche Philosophie der konkreten Utopie, die Hoffnung als Triebkraft für die Verbesserung menschlicher Lebensverhältnisse sieht. Das Werk, geschrieben zwischen 1938 und 1947, wurde in drei Bänden veröffentlicht und ist ein zentraler Beitrag zur Utopie-Theorie des 20. Jahrhunderts.

Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophy centers on pessimism, the will, and representation. He argued that the world is driven by a blind, irrational will, leading to suffering. His concept of the will as a fundamental force contrasts with rationalist traditions. Schopenhauer's influence extends to various fields, including literature and psychology. His work explores aesthetics, ethics, and the nature of reality. He emphasized the importance of art as a means of escaping the suffering inherent in life.