What's Left of Philosophy
96 TEASER | What is Utopia? Part IV. Bacon's New Atlantis
Aug 28, 2024
In this captivating discussion, the spotlight is on Francis Bacon, a foundational figure of the Enlightenment known for championing knowledge production. He explores the unfinished utopian novel, The New Atlantis, revealing his fascination with nature's diversity versus Platonic ideals. The conversation dives into the tensions between experimental science and community harmony, questioning the duality of progress and tradition. Bacon's ambivalence towards European rationality sparks intriguing insights about the quest for control over nature and the complexities of human behavior.
14:50
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast contrasts Francis Bacon's celebration of diverse natural phenomena through empirical experimentation with Plato's aesthetic ideals of beauty and order.
- It examines the balance between scientific advancement and the complexities of human nature, highlighting limitations in controlling interpersonal dynamics through science alone.
Deep dives
The Social Structure of Utopia
The podcast discusses the concept of a utopian society where social harmony prevails, in contrast to Hobbes' notion of chaos that necessitates a strong political structure. In this ideal society, customs around marriage are relaxed, and there is an absence of infidelity, making strict laws on polygamy practically irrelevant. Participants highlight how the society's approach to marriage encourages transparency and communal relationships rather than individualistic legalism. This atmosphere fosters an ideal world where people's interpersonal dynamics navigate naturally without political imposition, illustrating an intriguing philosophical viewpoint on social organization.
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