Reading Questions for Touraine

A. Summarize the main points of the article in one paragraph in your own words.

Once again, a main talking point of this reading, and I imagine this class, is Mores Utopia. In this reading, Touraine focuses on utopias as political vessels and ideas, which is where the focus remains for this piece. We read about Thomas More, Charles Fourier, George Orwell, Karl Manneheim, and Ernst Bloch. Subjects such as totalitarianism, socialism, communism, and democracy are discussed. Utopia and the definition of utopia did not come into full effect or fruition until it earned an identity.

B. Write out two analytical questions that you would like to discuss in class. Pay particular attention to themes, aesthetics (form, metaphor, simile, image), philosophy, etc. Note the page number of one or two examples, so that we can turn to them when we discuss your question in class.

1. Do you agree with Touralines view of utopias not gaining the traction they required until they became purely political? Do you think there is another genre or type of utopia subject that has the same possible power to influence socities?

2. (Page 29) If Blochs approach is linked to the present, where is Marxs approach linked?

Factual questions or question of content should be brought up when we are discussing a question that relates to your factual question.