Abstract
In this paper, drawing mainly on the work of R. Levitas, J.
C. Davis, E.
Hansot, J. Shklar, B.
Goodwin, K. Taylor, F.
Jameson and M.-D. Cojocaru, I will try to describe the functions of the so-called classical utopia and then illustrate my exposition on the example of Robert Burton's utopia.
Following the same lines as L. T.
Sargent, E. Hansot and J.
C. Davis, in my research, I distinguish classical utopia from modern utopia, considering the main difference to be precisely the different functions they fulfilled.
I work with the hypothesis that the classical utopia had three basic functions that made it a useful intellectual tool for Early Modern thinkers. The first and most obvious function was a direct or indirect critique of the state of contemporary society and man.
The second function was the normative communication of alternative ideals about man and society, which, in relation to the first function, were contrasted with the unsatisfactory present. In other words, the utopia was first and foremost a model, a detailed and convincing representation or visualisation of the author's particular ideals and values, which were based on his conception of human nature and society and which the potential reader was ideally expected to adopt as his own.
The third function was to present a provisional, institutional solution ("holding operation") to the consequences of the distortion of human nature. I build on the idea that in order to identify and better understand these functions in individual utopian works, it is necessary to examine the content of these works (the utopian's values and his conception of human nature), as well as their form (aspects of the utopian genre, authorial strategy, etc.).
In this way, in the second part of my paper I will attempt (following the work of J. M.
Patrick, W. R.
Mueller, J. C.
Davis, Ch. Houston, E.
McCutcheon, R. Fox, V.
Fortunati, P. H.
Holland, A. Gowland et al.) to describe and capture each function in a particular literary work - the utopia contained in the preface of R.
Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy. I will show that his starting position was a pessimistic notion of a corrupted world in utter moral and intellectual chaos, with the corrupted nature of man at the centre of these problems.
For Burton, then, utopia is the best possible tool for communicating his sceptical attitude towards the contemporary world and the possible remedy of man, as well as a tool for presenting alternatives ("lateral possibilities") and partial, but pragmatic and realistic solutions and social reforms. While Burton is essentially pointing out the unattainability of the true ideal and the impossibility of utopian visions, this awareness does not prevent him from striving to achieve these goals.
Thus, Burton's utopia will not only be used as a case study to demonstrate the thesis presented but will also be viewed as a work whose author deliberately employed the utopian genre and reflected on its efficacy and significance for philosophy, man, and society.