Between Utopia and Dystopia

Erasmus, Thomas More, and the Humanist Republic of Letters

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Humanism, History, Renaissance, Modern
Cover of the book Between Utopia and Dystopia by Hanan Yoran, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Hanan Yoran ISBN: 9780739136492
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: April 19, 2010
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Hanan Yoran
ISBN: 9780739136492
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: April 19, 2010
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

The figure of the intellectual looms large in modern history, and yet his or her social place has always been full of ambiguity and ironies. Between Utopia and Dystopia is a study of the movement that created the identity of the universal intellectual: Erasmian humanism. Focusing on the writings of Erasmus and Thomas More, Hanan Yoran argues that, in contrast to other groups of humanists, Erasmus and the circle gathered around him generated the social space_the Erasmian Republic of Letters_that allowed them a considerable measure of independence. The identity of the autonomous intellectual enabled the Erasmian humanists to criticize established customs and institutions and to elaborate a reform program for Christendom. At the same time, however, the very notion of the universal intellectual presented a problem for the discourse of Erasmian humanism itself. It distanced the Erasmian humanists from concrete public activity and, as such, clashed with their commitment to the ideal of an active life. Furthermore, citizenship in the Republic of Letters threatened to lock the Erasmian humanists into a disembodied intellectual sphere, thus undermining their convictions concerning intellectual activity and the production of knowledge. Between Utopia and Dystopia will be of interest to scholars and students interested in Renaissance humanism, early modern intellectual and cultural history, and political thought. It also has much to contribute to debates over the identity, social place, and historical role of intellectuals.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The figure of the intellectual looms large in modern history, and yet his or her social place has always been full of ambiguity and ironies. Between Utopia and Dystopia is a study of the movement that created the identity of the universal intellectual: Erasmian humanism. Focusing on the writings of Erasmus and Thomas More, Hanan Yoran argues that, in contrast to other groups of humanists, Erasmus and the circle gathered around him generated the social space_the Erasmian Republic of Letters_that allowed them a considerable measure of independence. The identity of the autonomous intellectual enabled the Erasmian humanists to criticize established customs and institutions and to elaborate a reform program for Christendom. At the same time, however, the very notion of the universal intellectual presented a problem for the discourse of Erasmian humanism itself. It distanced the Erasmian humanists from concrete public activity and, as such, clashed with their commitment to the ideal of an active life. Furthermore, citizenship in the Republic of Letters threatened to lock the Erasmian humanists into a disembodied intellectual sphere, thus undermining their convictions concerning intellectual activity and the production of knowledge. Between Utopia and Dystopia will be of interest to scholars and students interested in Renaissance humanism, early modern intellectual and cultural history, and political thought. It also has much to contribute to debates over the identity, social place, and historical role of intellectuals.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book Women of Color and Social Media Multitasking by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Reading and Writing in the Global Workplace by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Gerald Ford and the Separation of Powers by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Unpacking Globalization by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Italy's Foreign Policy in the Twenty-First Century by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book The Antipodean Philosopher by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Kant and the Foundations of Morality by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Revolution and Genocide in Ethiopia and Cambodia by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Fractured Fandoms by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Rethinking the Monstrous by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Besieged by Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Culture Shock for Asians in U.S. Academia by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Assessing MENA Political Reform, Post-Arab Spring by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Human Rights in Translation by Hanan Yoran
Cover of the book Czech Political Prisoners by Hanan Yoran
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy