The politics of utopia : a study in theory and practice
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The politics of utopia : a study in theory and practice
（Ralahine utopian studies, v. 5）（Ralahine classics）
P. Lang, c2009
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Note
First published: London : Hutchinson, 1982
Includes bibliographical references and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
This book provides both an introduction to utopianism and a general perspective on radical political thought. Vigorously disputing the widespread conviction that utopianism is a fantasy with no relevance to modern political life and thought, the authors argue that it is a concept whose special virtue lies in its capacity to transcend the limitations of present circumstances, to inspire alternative thinking and to open up new directions for political action. This book develops an approach which relates social causes to political theory and practice. The first part discusses utopianism as a form of political theory with unique characteristics and the ability to transcend the present. The second part considers utopianism as an expression of fundamental social impulses and as an ingredient of modern political movements. The third part offers a defence of utopianism as both theory and practice, and argues for its use to counteract the pragmatism and narrow empiricism which often passes for political "realism" in modern societies. This reissue of a popular and well-received landmark text contains a new preface.
Table of Contents
Contents: Utopia and Political Theory: Taking Utopianism Seriously - Taxonomy and Anatomy - Ideology, Science or Symbol? - Utopia's Enemies - Utopia and Political Practice: The Social Origins of the Utopian Impulse - Movements for Utopia - Utopia Writ Small: Communitarianism and its Legacy - In Defence of Utopia: Is Utopia Necessary? - The Utopian Impulse in Twentieth Century Politics.
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