HUMANISTIC IDEAS IN MORE’S UTOPIA

Tina Šabec

doi:10.46827/ejlll.v5i1.259

Abstract

This article focusses on the humanistic ideas of Thomas More (1478–1535), explained in his book Utopia, a work of fiction and socio-political satire, written in Latin and published in 1516. In Utopia Thomas More gives an exhaustive and detailed description of The State of Utopia which already exists somewhere in the New World. Those types of theories which are oriented into the future, into something which is not yet realised but is potentially possible are called utopian literature. It covers a wide area consisting of itineraries about fictional countries, suggestions of legal or moral legislation, and attempts to find the best state regulation. Humanism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. But the questions are: are all More’s humanistic ideas entirely good? Who can take responsibility to judge what is good for each man? The article deals with the mentioned dilemma.  Article visualizations:<img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0771/a.php" alt="Hit counter" />

Highlights

Thomas More lived in the period of Humanism and was an important representative of humanist writing
If we examine the word humanism from a lexicographical point of view, the root word is humble, coming from the Latin, meaning earth or ground; homo, earth- being and derived humanus meaning earthly or human
It is extremely difficult to draw a parallel between all these humanisms since the differences among them are just too big

Summary

Introduction

Thomas More lived in the period of Humanism and was an important representative of humanist writing. While reading his book Utopia I realized that he had very progressive views for the Renaissance. Some of his ideas, seemed quite the opposite, some even unreasonable and amusing. These contradictions are interesting enough for deciding to explore more about the period and its ideas

Discussion

Conclusion