Scriptorum · Journal article · Informa UK Limited · 2005
About this report
Gerard and Sterling examine Thomas More's Utopia (1516) and its parallels with English society under Henry VIII. They describe the work as a mixture of travelogue, philosophical tract, satire and vision of an egalitarian society. According to Gerard and Sterling, More speaks through Raphael Hythloday, who contrasts Utopia with England in matters of money, work, land ownership, punishment of crime and poverty. Gerard and Sterling report that Hythloday criticises enclosures and the wide gap between rich and poor, and argues that hanging thieves is unjust. They state that Utopians share goods equally, work six hours a day and have few laws. Gerard and Sterling also discuss the Utopian political structure, in which officials called syphogrants are elected, and Utopian views of war. They suggest More distanced himself from his criticism through Hythloday and the persona More because open criticism of Henry VIII was dangerous. Gerard and Sterling conclude that More's ideas remain valid today, and they offer modern American examples of wealth disparity and corporate excess.
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Details
- Author: W. B. Gerard; Eric Sterling
- Publisher: Informa UK Limited
- Published: 2005
- Type: Journal article
- Country: United States
- Subjects: Utopia, Thomas more, Tudor england, Political philosophy, Social justice
- Catalogue number: SCR-000006 · P2-S-ART-POL-001
How to cite
Gerard, W. B., & Sterling, E. (2005). Sir Thomas More's Utopia and the transformation of England from absolute monarchy to egalitarian society. Contemporary Justice Review, 8(1), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.1080/10282580500044119
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