Socialism before Marx

Socialism is an ideal with a long and complicated history. This seminar examines its origins in the nineteenth century. Drawing on both primary sources and historical scholarship, this course examines socialism as it evolved over its first several decades, above all in France and England, and stresses the crucial role of the French Revolution in socialism's rise. Themes include: harmony versus conflict in the socialist imaginary; the competition between hierarchy and equality in socialists' vision; the contested place of the state; socialism and religion; and the critique of markets.