Utopia Between Ciceronian Humanism and Imperialism

Abstract: The premise of this thesis is to show how imperialism is an extension of Ciceronian humanism in More’s Utopia. Core Ciceronian premises, such as rhetoric and the vita activa in relation to imperialism are explored. Cicero called for liberating the barbarians from their savage state by dint of turning them into civic agents that enjoy their legal rights in a civil society by virtue of using rhetoric. Cicero’s vita activa is implemented by practicing philosophy of the vita activa and being active to serve the commonwealth outwardly (other commonwealths). This thesis shows that More’s Utopia is constructed upon Cicero’s ethical man; the Utopians are presented as the best people, for they are morally superior. Consequently, they are the best people to rule other commonwealths (imperialism). This thesis will also show that the ecology in Utopia is colonized and cultivated by the Utopians. The process of cultivation is implemented by virtue of the studia humanitatis and, the ecology is subordinated to the conquerors’ reason, which will be illustrated in this thesis. In addition, this thesis will highlight the similarities between the account of Cicero and More in relation to imperialism and chauvinism. Cicero’s discourse has chauvinism in his depiction of the Gauls and imperialism in his account of Romulus. Similarly, Hythloday’s account of Utopus and the Utopians is imperialistic; Utopia valorizes imperialist rhetoric by justifying seizing the lands of the barbarians under the pretext of civilizing them. This thesis also illustrates how More’s and Cicero’s rhetoric of imperialism corresponds to Herlihy- Mera’s three phases of cultural conquest, namely merchants, military, and politicians.