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영어

The types of utopias can be variously divided according to the criteria of classification : for example, a static utopia vs. a dynamic utopia, an abstract utopia vs. a concrete utopia, the
utopia of escape vs. the utopia of hope, an individual utopia vs. a collective utopia, an ascetic utopia vs. a want-satisfying utopia, etc. However, the most focal types of utopias are the
utopia of equality and the utopia of liberty. In the early-modern world, Thomas More was a representative of utopians who supported a utopia of equality, whereas Francis Bacon dreamed of a utopia of liberty and affluence. While More conceived of a self-sufficient society by limiting
the human nature, Bacon attempted to construct a society which could satisfy human desires by increasing production. It was the Utopian Socialists of the nineteenth century who tried to reconcile equality with liberty. They tried to build up a society of equality through social systems on the one hand. On the other hand, they also tried to realize a liberal and affluent society through scientific technology. Unfortunately, they did not succeed, as equality and liberty are conflicting values. Where there is liberty, competition and inequality are unavoidable, and where equality is emphasized, liberty is bound to be limited. Then, what is the third way that can transcend the conflict between liberty and equality? It is, I believe, a utopia of fraternity. If liberty and equality are based on the principle of self-love, which focuses on preservation of one's own self, fraternity is based on the principle of altruism, which focuses on the solidarity of the self and others. Thus, Jules Michelet asserted that “fraternity is the realization-transcendence of
liberty and equality”, presupposing that “without the prerequisites of liberty and equality, there could be no fraternity.” In this context, it is expected that the ideal society we should aim for will be the society which is based on the principle of fraternity.