Voyage to Utopias: A fictional guide through social philosophy

Description

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.

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).

"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. "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 a felicitous lesson of various political philosophies delivered through wondrous fiction that is great material for university students. It is an exciting yet educational verbal journey that, with its humorous description, is apt to prove that academics need not be boring." Sini Wiren, journalism & political science student, University of Worcester