Authentic and Illusionary Freedom According to Charles Fourier

Abstract

In socialist utopias, the superior values ​​to which the entire political and social system is subordinated are a well-organized society and prosperity - not individual freedom. This does not mean, however, that utopians such as Charles Fourier do not philosophically analyze freedom. The approach to freedom presented by the French author is strongly rooted in his metaphysics, referring to "passion", or "attraction" - as something that should at most be subjected to the indications of reason, but certainly not abolished. However, in the world that Fourier writes about, there is not much room for any freedom: even God must follow mathematical principles. As for the individual and society, they are only potentially free, because complete freedom will come only after Fourier's program is put into practice. On the other hand, in Fourier's program of total social reform, one can find many of his postulates which do not seek to strengthen or protect individual freedoms. These include, among others, the subordination of the individual to the collective, the abolition of the family and marriage, and compulsory child labor.