A modern utopia cannot exist because it must be small to minimize disagreements, but a small society cannot produce enough resources and defend itself to meet the needs of a modern population. While alternatives like importing resources or using technology were considered, they were not viable long-term solutions and would make the utopia reliant on outside groups, threatening its independence. Therefore, the document concludes that the goals of a utopian society and a modern self-sufficient society are inherently in conflict.

1. The Population Paradox of Modern Utopias By Thomas Frison

2. Thesis Utopias must be small to minimize differences in opinion, but a small, modern Utopia is not viable on its own.

3. Definitions Society: A collection of people and the structure in which they live, including: Laws Government Means of Production

4. Definitions Utopia: A society in which everyone believes that the society is the best that it can be. There can be some malcontents, however there cannot be any sizeable minority that disapproves of how things are. A Utopia is not a perfect society.

5. First Premise Utopias must be small to minimize disagreements in the definition of Utopia.

6. Reasoning People disagree. A Utopia is only valid if everyone agrees that it is a Utopia. This means that if there is a major disagreement in a wider variety of topics related to society, then you don’t have a Utopia. To minimize disagreements on the definition of Utopia, the Utopia must be small.

7. Alternative:Re-education: Re-education Convince everyone that it is a Utopia, even if it isn’t. Methods: Propaganda Religion Drugs Isn’t a true Utopia.

8. Alternative:Compilation of small Utopias: Make the structure very looseso that the society fits the widest definitions of Utopia. Results in everyone creating their own Utopia. The whole cannot be considered Utopian by our definition. As it’s a collection of small Utopias, still doesn’t disprove the argument that Utopias must be small.

9. Second Premise A small, modern Utopia cannot be viable on its own.

10. Reasoning:Resources: Resources: Members of modern societies expect massive amounts of goods and services. This is in addition to food, water, shelter, and other basic needs. Not enough resources or space in a small society to provide everything expected.

11. Reasoning:Defense: Defense: Modern attacks can come from any direction because of missiles. Hard for a small group to protect itself from outside attack, especially from a larger group.

12. Alternative:Additional Labor Technology Requires more resources and people to maintain and build the machines. Could drain resources as much as it boosts efficiency, resulting in a low net gain. Slaves Violates definition of Utopia as slaves are part of the society and would not view the society in a favorable light.

13. Alternative:Reduced Production Utopia could focus on producing only basic needs for itself. Without modern products, would be weak to outside attack. Could trade with outside groups for modern goods and services.

14. Issues With Trade If the Utopia has to focus on basic needs, then it wouldn’t have much to trade with. If it received modern goods and services from outside, then it would start relying on that outside supplier who would have power over the Utopia. The Utopia could trade with multiple groups so that each group keeps the others from taking over.

15. Summary A Utopia must be small to qualify as a Utopia. Small size reduces disagreements. A small, modern, Utopia is not viable. Cannot produce everything needed by modern consumers. Can be problems with relying on outside suppliers. Therefore, there cannot be a modern Utopia.

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