The Great Harmony: A Review of Robert Owen’s Utopian Socialist Educational Thought

Abstract

The social vision of British Utopian Socialism is rooted in a profound critique of the capitalist system, aligning with "the initial instinctive aspirations of the proletariat for comprehensive social transformation." Within this intellectual lineage, Robert Owen, as an outstanding representative of British Utopian Socialism, contributed numerous unique insights into social construction, establishing a theoretical framework for early socialist explorations of societal development. His Utopian Socialist educational theories, articulated with the visionary courage of a "true cultural hero" and remarkable prescience, continue to inspire future generations. Owen's perspectives on holistic human development were critically absorbed by classical Marxist writers. A deep exploration of Owen's educational theories reveals another dimension of the profound ideological foundations underlying Marxist educational theory. However, it cannot be overlooked that Owen's Utopian Socialist educational thought also contains inherent limitations. Therefore, reexamining Owen's educational theories not only helps clarify the boundaries between Marxist educational theory and its Utopian predecessors but also promotes theoretical innovation and development, offering valuable insights for constructing modern educational theories.