| ID | 087439 |
| Title Proper | Unraveling natural Utopia |
| Other Title Information | Diderot's supplement to the voyage of Bougainville |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Stanley , Sharon A. |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Diderot's Supplement to the Voyage of Bougainville has often been read as a Rousseauian condemnation of modern civilization judged against the standard of pure Nature. A cursory reading of the Supplement does appear to present Tahiti as a natural utopia and Europe as a civilized prison. This essay rejects such a reading by demonstrating that the Supplement actually undermines any clear opposition between virtuous nature, represented by Tahiti, and corrupt civilization, represented by Europe. Although Diderot truly does offer a stinging critique of modern Europe, he refuses to offer "nature" as a redemptive alternative. Instead, the Supplement offers an implicit critique of the politics of moralism. |
| `In' analytical Note | Political Theory Vol. 37, No.2; Apr 2009: p266-289 |
| Journal Source | Political Theory Vol. 37, No.2; Apr 2009: p266-289 |
| Key Words | Diderot ; Rousseau ; Enlightenment ; Nature ; Moralism |