Dr. A. Waller Hastings
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Book One
Discussion Questions for
Thomas More's Utopia
- Were there any passages that particularly struck you? Why? In what way – did you agree, disagree, laugh?
- What are some conditions, laws, and customs of England that Raphael criticizes? Do they resemble things today? How? Does More agree with him? How do you know?
- Why does More introduce Raphael Nonsenso through Peter Gilles? What is gained by introducing the character of Gilles? [Increase verisimilitude – pp. 37-38]
- Why should a philosopher advise a king, according to More? Why not, according to Raphael? How does this relate to contemporary America? [pp. 41-42; 63-65]
- Discuss the following passage: "Failing all else, their last resort will be: 'This was good enough for our ancestors, and who are we to question their wisdom?' Then they’d settle back in their chairs, with an air of having said the last word on the subject – as if it would be a major disaster for anyone to be caught being wiser than his ancestors!" [pp. 42-43]
- What does Raphael say is the main reason that there are thieves in England? Do his comments seem reasonable? Are they still reasonable today? Why or why not? [pp. 43-47]
- What response do you have to Raphael’s arguments against capital punishment (for thievery, but some of them may be more generally applicable)? [pp. 50-51]
- Why is the story of Tallstoria (about the punishment of criminals in that country) introduced? Does the existence of this country seem plausible? What about their method of dealing with thieves? How do you think More arrived at this proposal? [pp. 52-53]
Book Two
- Which speaker’s ideas seem to be privileged in this dialogue? What makes you conclude that one position is favored over another?
- How is Utopia protected against outside attackers (secure harbor, cut off from mainland, strong fortifications, moats)? Why is it necessary for them to take such precautions?
- How would you describe More’s attitude toward farming, based on the Utopian plan for agriculture? Would such a system work in the real world?
- Consider the political system of Utopia – the manner of representation, the terms of office, the special rules governing consideration of new laws. Which elements of the Utopian system would you like to see introduced into our system, and why? Which would be unsuccessful in our system?
- What about the Utopian cities suggests that they reflect careful, logical plan-ning? Does the general environment sound attractive? Why or why not?
- Does the Utopians’ manner of dress appeal to you? Why do you think More pro-poses such utilitarian clothing? Do you think such a system of clothing would be feasible? (Perhaps consider this in light of p. 92: “even the sternest ascetic. . .”)
- What do the Utopians believe to be the purpose of human existence? (Happi-ness, pp. 91-93) How is this happiness to be achieved? Does this seem like a reasonable plan of life? What do you see as pleasurable? What would More say about contemporary ideas about pleasure?
- How do the Utopians think about the conventional idea of “riches” – material possessions, gold and jewels? (See pp. 86-87, the golden chamberpots; and pp. 93-94, about the pleasure derived from beauty vs. that derived from posses-sion.) Why do you think More writes so about wealth? What is the value of gold and other commodities in our world?
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Last updated September 17, 2001
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