Kenyon, Timothy (1981) Communism and the fall of man : the social theories of Thomas More and Gerrard Winstanley. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

The thesis examines the thought of Thomas More and Gerrard
Winstanley, emphasizing the concern of both theorists with the
prevailing moral depravity of human nature attributable to the
Fall of Man, and their proposals for the amendment of men's
conduct by institutional means, especially by the establishment
of a communist society. The thesis opens with a conceptual
exploration of 'utopianism' and 'millenarianism' before
discussing the particular forms of these concepts employed by
More and Winstanley. The introductory section also includes an
investigation of the context which constituted the background
to the ideas of More and Winstanley.
More's theology, his conception of human nature, and his view of
contemporary civil society are examined in detail. It is argued
that the conclusions More derived from this aspect of his
thought formed his basic conception of the situation to which
the institutional amendments outlined in Utopia were directed.
These proposals, regarding communism, the state, family and
community life, education, religion, and ethics, are discussed. It
is argued that Utopia constitutes More's model of a society
designed to facilitate the salvation of man.
Winstanley's appreciation of man's nature, prevailing condition,
and potential for spiritual regeneration, are outlined. The
development of Winstanley's thought, and the impression his
active involvement with the Diggers made upon him, is described.
It is argued that Winstanley renounced millenarianism and
ultimately assumed utopian social theory as a medium for the
articulation of his proposals for the restoration of man to
spiritual regeneracy on earth. The institutional aspects of
this scheme, regarding communism, the state, patriarchalism, labour,
and education, which he outlined in The Law of Freedom, are
evaluated.
The thesis concludes, with a brief comparative analysis before
setting the ideas of More and Winstanley'in the context of the
changing worldview, appreciation of man's potential and progress,
and the emphasis upon aspiration, which evolved in the early modern
period.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics H Social Sciences > HX Socialism. Communism. Anarchism
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	More, Thomas, Sir, Saint, 1478-1535 -- Criticism and interpretation, Winstanley, Gerrard, b. 1609 -- Criticism and interpretation, Communism, Fall of man, Conduct of life
Official Date:	April 1981
Dates:	Date Event April 1981 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Politics and International Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Reeve, Andrew
Sponsors:	Social Science Research Council (Great Britain)
Extent:	vii, 659 p.
Language:	eng

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