David F. Ruccio — Utopia—without classes

Good analysis of utopian versus utopianism. Short and important.

The difference is that between ideal and real. 

If the core assumptions are unrealistic and infeasible, then the consequent conceptual model will be "utopian" in the pejorative sense, and the project unachievable — "pie in the sky." If there is a disconnect between the ideal and the real, then it's utopianism.

If the assumptions are realistic and feasible, then the conceptual model will be "utopian" in the positive sense, and the project is achievable if implemented correctly.

If there is a disconnect between the ideal and the real, then it's utopianism.

Professor Ruccio explores how neoclassical economics and Marxian economics stack up in this regard.

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Utopia—without classes
David F. Ruccio | Professor of Economics, University of Notre Dame