About the book
Jacobins and Utopians examines the politics of ideal societies and the means necessary to bring them into existence. George Klosko reveals how discussions of fundamental moral reform lead inexorably to questions of political power. Machiavelli classically articulated the claim that unarmed prophets go to the gallows. Themes of revolution play an integral role in Klosko's study—as the figures he explores frequently concerned themselves with the means of becoming armed. Klosko focuses particularly on what he calls \"educational realism\" as a means of channeling political power in pursuit of moral reform. If people are to become fit for an ideal society they must be subjected to intensive education, which in turn requires control of the educational environment and, consequently, of society as a whole. Klosko identifies Plato as an educational realist and contends that Plato, contrary to his reputation as a pure utopian, actually provides a searching analysis of the role of political power in fundamental moral reform. In addition to Plato, Jacobins and Utopians canvasses strategies of moral reform proposed by Plutarch's Lycurgus, Socrates, Thomas More, Machiavelli, Robespierre, Saint-Just, Bakunin, Charles Fourier, Marx, and Lenin. Klosko analyzes both the advantages of Jacobinism as a political strategy and its inherent flaws.
Editions of Jacobins and Utopians
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780268032586
- PDF
- ISBN 9780268084721
Read an Excerpt
Jacobins and Utopians examines the politics of ideal societies and the means necessary to bring them into existence. George Klosko reveals how discussions of fundamental moral reform lead inexorably to questions of political power. Machiavelli classically articulated the claim that unarmed prophets go to the gallows. Themes of revolution play an integral role in Klosko's study—as the figures he explores frequently concerned themselves with the means of becoming armed. Klosko focuses particularly on what he calls \"educational realism\" as a means of channeling political power in pursuit of moral reform. If people are to become fit for an ideal society they must be subjected to intensive education, which in turn requires control of the educational environment and, consequently, of society as a whole. Klosko identifies Plato as an educational realist and contends that Plato, contrary to his reputation as a pure utopian, actually provides a searching analysis of the role of political power in fundamental moral reform. In addition to Plato, Jacobins and Utopians canvasses strategies of moral reform proposed by Plutarch's Lycurgus, Socrates, Thomas More, Machiavelli, Robespierre, Saint-Just, Bakunin, Charles Fourier, Marx, and Lenin. Klosko analyzes both the advantages of Jacobinism as a political strategy and its inherent flaws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jacobins and Utopians about?
Jacobins and Utopians examines the politics of ideal societies and the means necessary to bring them into existence. George Klosko reveals how discussions of fundamental moral reform lead inexorably to questions of political power. Machiavelli classically articulated the claim that unarmed prophets go to the gallows. Themes of revolution play an integral role in Klosko's study—as the figures he explores frequently concerned themselves with the means of becoming armed. Klosko focuses particularly on what he calls \"educational realism\" as a means of channeling political power in pursuit of moral reform. If people are to become fit for an ideal society they must be subjected to intensive education, which in turn requires control of the educational environment and, consequently, of society as a whole. Klosko identifies Plato as an educational realist and contends that Plato, contrary to his reputation as a pure utopian, actually provides a searching analysis of the role of political power in fundamental moral reform. In addition to Plato, Jacobins and Utopians canvasses strategies of moral reform proposed by Plutarch's Lycurgus, Socrates, Thomas More, Machiavelli, Robespierre, Saint-Just, Bakunin, Charles Fourier, Marx, and Lenin. Klosko analyzes both the advantages of Jacobinism as a political strategy and its inherent flaws.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Jacobins and Utopians?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social and political philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Jacobins and Utopians?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780268032586
Is Jacobins and Utopians part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Frank M. Covey, Jr., Loyola Lectures in Political Analysis
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Jacobins and Utopians?
George Klosko
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Jacobins and Utopians is available as paperback(ISBN 9780268032586) and pdf(ISBN 9780268084721)
Where can I buy Jacobins and Utopians online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Jacobins and Utopians from below
Where can I buy Jacobins and Utopians?