The Impact of Applied Science Upon the Utopian Ideal

Authors

Arthur H. Frietzsche

Keywords

Jonathan Swift, Gulliver's travels, Thomas More, Sir, Saint, Utopia, Francis Bacon, New Atlantis, Science, civilization

Abstract

The author examines the changing attitudes toward applied science by looking at three Utopian works: Sir Thomas More's Utopia (1516), Sir Francis Bacon's New Atlantis (1626), and Jonathan Swift's Voyage to Laputa (1727). While More focuses on improving man, Bacon focuses on improving things. Swift shows the problem inherent in Bacon's emphasis on applied science by creating a satire in which science in every instance is misapplied. The changing attitude toward applied science in these early works is still evident in Utopian works today.

Recommended Citation

Frietzsche, Arthur H. (1961) "The Impact of Applied Science Upon the Utopian Ideal," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 3: Iss. 3, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol3/iss3/4