Voyage to Utopias: A fictional guide through social philosophy

by Tony Fitzpatrick

Overview

This fascinating fictional account will introduce the reader to key ideas in social and political philosophy. It presents crucial skills of philosophical investigation in an accessible, rigorous and light-hearted way. The novel is funny, informative and entertaining, allowing the reader to experience often complex ideas from the 'inside' by using skills they will have acquired, unconsciously, from films, TV and novels. The reader will learn about freedom, responsibility, justice and fairness and see how these are played out in the different utopian futures of a range of socio-political regimes. The book is supported by a companion website, containing additional materials for both students and lecturers using the book, which is available from the link above. This work of fiction covers the following philosophies: Market Liberal; Marxist/Communist; Communitarian/Republican; Moral Conservative; Egalitarian/Socialist; Social Democratic; Feminist; and Ecological.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781847420893
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	07/01/2010
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

Tony Fitzpatrick is a reader at the University of Nottingham. His recent publications include Applied Ethics and Social Problems (2008). He is the co-editor of the journal Policy & Politics and was the principal editor of the three-volume International Encyclopaedia of Social Policy (2006).

Table of Contents

Scene-setting; Market liberal; Marxist/Communist; Communitarian/Republican; Moral Conservative; Egalitarian/Socialist; Social Democratic; Feminist; Ecological; Return; Notes/Commentary

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Fitzpatrick's Voyage to Utopias is for Social Policy what Gaarder's Sophie's World was for Philosophy (but it's loads more fun): an outrageous novel to introduce young people to alternative ideologies of welfare." Hartley Dean, London School of Economics & Political Science

"Voyage to Utopias is unique in that it uses well-written fiction to illustrate what the outcome might be if certain social theories were given whole worlds in which to practice, ranging from flawed paradises to sinister dystopias. Perfect for students." Ben Farmer, student

"Great material for university students, it is an exciting yet educational journey." Sini Wiren, journalism & political science student, University of Worcester

Editorial Reviews

"For the twelfth chapter's brief vision of environmental disaster alone the book should be on the reading list of every student of social philosophy." Citizen's Income Newsletter

From the Publisher