In Our Time Utopia
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Oct 7, 1999 Delving into the concept of utopia, this podcast explores the idea of a perfect society that has captured humanity's imagination for centuries. It discusses the allure of utopian ideals despite their non-existence, the impact of fascism and communism, and the reflection of present and future aspirations in fictional utopias. The discussion also touches on the authoritarian nature of many utopian visions, the challenges utopian communities face in balancing individual and communal goals, and the ethical implications of genetic engineering for achieving utopian concepts.
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Utopia Predates Its Name
- Utopian thought predates the word and appears across ancient cultures as idealized golden ages.
- Thomas More coined 'utopia' as a pun meaning both 'good place' and 'no place', provoking debate about its possibility.
Plato As The First Practical Utopia
- Plato's Republic is the first practical utopia tying social design to rule, eugenics and civic virtues.
- It models a programmatic, not merely idealized, vision of reorganizing society by shaping rulers and citizens.
Utopia Is A Persistent Human Quest
- Utopian striving is constant because individuals and societies always seek a better state of being.
- Most historical efforts aimed to improve conditions for elites rather than universal well-being.