Two visions of the world Utopia and Dystopia Two visions of the world

Utopia Definition: An imagined place or state of things in which perfection has been achieved. Origin: Sir Thomas More (1516) Utopia concept originally linked to religious ideals, but now also refers to socio-political ideals

Utopia How would you describe a utopian society? What would it look like? How would people act? Would there be laws? How would the utopian society handle the following things: Education Medical issues Careers Fashion Entertainment

Famous Utopias Oneida Community It was the longest lasting utopia (religious) based in Oneida, New York. It was founded in 1848 and lasted 33 years. Ideas: shared belongings everyone has jobs free love mutual criticism stirpiculture

Oneida Community

Famous Utopias New Harmony, Indiana The perfect science discovery community. It was founded in 1925 and lasted 2 years. Ideas: free education no social classes known for their scientific discoveries

Famous Utopias Babcock Ranch, Florida A new utopia in planning that hopes to be the “greenest” city on Earth (est. 2015) Ideas: completely energy green interconnected city of computer networks

Utopia Could a utopian society ever truly exist? Why or Why not? The Lost City of Atlantis Shangri-la The Garden of Eden

Dystopia Definition: an imagined place or state of things in which everything is unpleasant, typically a degraded environment and a totalitarian regime Origin: John Stuart Mill (1868) speech in the House of Commons about Irish problem Common theme in modern books and movies

Dystopia How would you describe a dystopian society? What would it look like? How would people act? Would there be laws? How would the dystopian society handle the following things: Education Medical issues Careers Fashion Entertainment

Characteristics of a Dystopian Society Propaganda is used to control the citizens of a society Information, independent thought , and freedom are restricted A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance Citizens have a fear of the outside world Citizens live in a dehumanized state The natural world is banished and distrusted Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world