The End of Utopia

The human species, along with other species, have developed a genetic predisposition for collective action ever since co-operation presented an evolutionary advantage. These systems were, and for some species continue to be, concerned with the primary objective of the production of the means of survival.

According to Marx, it was the conflicts arising from the social relations produced by the ownership of the means of production which has been the dynamic of history. Whether or not we wish to go down that path, it is clear that while other species retain relatively unchanging forms of social relationships we, the human species, have been prolific in dreaming up different forms - and worse, of seeking to implement them.

Generally, early human societies exploited ideas of Godly power, magnanimously delegated to the earthly power holders (and conveniently accompanied by suitable wealth), to buttress the authority of the ruling class. Some modern rulers still receive this Godly power and we pray that the gracious he or she be 'saved' and granted glorious longevity.

Alongside these religious myths there is a long tradition for social and political philosophers to challenge the transcendental beliefs and to seek a rational, secular basis for ethics and morals. From Aristotle onwards, and probably backwards, philosophers have sought to identify the rules by which a society could attain the 'good life' without reference to some transcendent authority.

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