The Spirit of 16th- and 17th-Century Utopian Concepts

Abstract

Panajotis Kondylis' Zur geistigen Struktur der utopischen Konstruktionen des 16. und 17. Jahrhunderts focuses on the intellectual and historical foundation of utopian thought in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the introduction, the author emphasizes that the development of the critique of utopia was delayed in comparison to the critique of ideology, particularly within the Marxist discourse. Kondylis discusses how Marxism rejected earlier utopian visions as unrealistic and idealistic, accusing them of failing to consider the historical social realities. The aim of his paper is a thorough analysis of the logical form and historical function of utopian constructions. The author compares the views of prominent utopian thinkers with those of their adversaries, referring to the former as “optimists” and to the latter as “pessimists.” Both the similarities and differences between these opposing positions are identified, particularly in relation to anthropology, the state of nature, visions of the past and future, as well as educational concepts. Kondylis also critiques theories of the state and society that ignore anthropological aspects, arguing that these elements are crucial for a deeper understanding of these theories.

In subsequent sections, the author examines the factors disrupting the harmony of utopia and analyses the proposed solutions put forward by utopists to overcome them. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the individual and the society in utopian thought. Further Kondylis presents two main approaches to utopia: one rooted in religious tradition and the other secular, relying on science for legitimation. These two positions, although antagonistic, are argued by the author to complement each other.

In the final section, Kondylis critically analyses the early modern utopists, focusing on the subordination of their visions to reason and rationalism. He draws attention to the attempts by philosophers to integrate utopia with reality, which, in his view, lead to the impoverishment of the original ideological and conceptual depth of the utopian project.

To sum up, Kondylis' text provides a comprehensive analysis of the philosophical foundations of utopian thought, highlighting the complexity and internal contradictions accompanyhuman efforts to create ideal societies.