Utopianism and the Sciences, 1880-1930
This volume focuses on the relationship between utopianism and the sciences in the period from 1880 to 1930. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, Europe and the United States experienced a mushrooming desire for a more beautiful, happier world. During the nineteenth century, the older 'classic' utopianism of Plato and More started to develop into so-called 'modern' utopianism: ideas that used to be considered mere thought experiments were developing into programmes that could in fact be realised in time. The proposed societal ideal thus needed to be supported by convincing and preferably scientific arguments, particularly at a time when, despite all the criticism, people still kept faith in science. Science was thus strongly embraced by those engaged in theory formation, sociopolitical debate and artistic expression, all of which were directed at supporting the ideal of a better future. The contributions to this book demonstrate how scientific discoveries such as electricity and the X-ray, as well as scientific theories in the fields of physics, mathematics, biology, the medical sciences, sociology and even linguistics, were used to substantiate, illustrate and realise the future utopia. This volume is the result of recent interdisciplinary research in the fascinating field of utopian sciences and scientific utopias.
1020525925
Utopianism and the Sciences, 1880-1930
This volume focuses on the relationship between utopianism and the sciences in the period from 1880 to 1930. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, Europe and the United States experienced a mushrooming desire for a more beautiful, happier world. During the nineteenth century, the older 'classic' utopianism of Plato and More started to develop into so-called 'modern' utopianism: ideas that used to be considered mere thought experiments were developing into programmes that could in fact be realised in time. The proposed societal ideal thus needed to be supported by convincing and preferably scientific arguments, particularly at a time when, despite all the criticism, people still kept faith in science. Science was thus strongly embraced by those engaged in theory formation, sociopolitical debate and artistic expression, all of which were directed at supporting the ideal of a better future. The contributions to this book demonstrate how scientific discoveries such as electricity and the X-ray, as well as scientific theories in the fields of physics, mathematics, biology, the medical sciences, sociology and even linguistics, were used to substantiate, illustrate and realise the future utopia. This volume is the result of recent interdisciplinary research in the fascinating field of utopian sciences and scientific utopias.
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Utopianism and the Sciences, 1880-1930

Utopianism and the Sciences, 1880-1930

Utopianism and the Sciences, 1880-1930

Utopianism and the Sciences, 1880-1930

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Overview

This volume focuses on the relationship between utopianism and the sciences in the period from 1880 to 1930. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, Europe and the United States experienced a mushrooming desire for a more beautiful, happier world. During the nineteenth century, the older 'classic' utopianism of Plato and More started to develop into so-called 'modern' utopianism: ideas that used to be considered mere thought experiments were developing into programmes that could in fact be realised in time. The proposed societal ideal thus needed to be supported by convincing and preferably scientific arguments, particularly at a time when, despite all the criticism, people still kept faith in science. Science was thus strongly embraced by those engaged in theory formation, sociopolitical debate and artistic expression, all of which were directed at supporting the ideal of a better future. The contributions to this book demonstrate how scientific discoveries such as electricity and the X-ray, as well as scientific theories in the fields of physics, mathematics, biology, the medical sciences, sociology and even linguistics, were used to substantiate, illustrate and realise the future utopia. This volume is the result of recent interdisciplinary research in the fascinating field of utopian sciences and scientific utopias.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9789042922983
Publisher: Peeters Publishing
Publication date: 02/05/2010
Series: Groningen Studies in Cultural Change , #37
Pages: 204
Product dimensions: 6.50(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.80(d)

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgements vii

Utopianism and the Sciences: An Introduction Mary Kemperink Leonieke Vermeer ix

Contributors xxi

The 'Fourth Dimension' as Sign of Utopia in Early Modern Art and Culture Linda Dalrymple Henderson 1

In the Ether: Electricity and the Victorian Future Iwan Rhys Morus 17

Coping with Entropy: Utopian Reactions to the Second Law of Thermodynamics (1860-1920) Leonieke Vermeer 33

Ostwald's Utopias: Energeticism and the Wilhelminian Empire (1888-1918) Daan Wegener 59

Looking for Utopia - Guided by Evolution? The Case of the Fabians Cor Hermans 79

A Chance for Utopia: Modern Technology and the Design of the IJsselmeerpolders Dick van Lente 107

Science, Medicine and Arbitration: Pieter Eijkman's World Capital in the Hague Geert Somsen 125

Science and the House of God in the City of Light Luc Bergmans 145

Fit for the Nation: A Utopian View on Physical Education in Belgium (1900-1914) Pascal Delheye 157

Utopianism and (Para)Psychology in Dutch Literature around 1900 Mary Kemperink 169

Bibliography 187

Index 201

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