| My dissertation explores the interconnections among philosophy, poetry, and politics, in the creation of just or good societies. I hypothesize that a just society will be founded upon three universal principles---freedom, equality, and communality. The philosopher will articulate the principles of the political system. The role of the poet will be to communicate these principles artfully to the populace, in order to move them to just actions. One can imagine a just society, rooted in the principles of the philosopher and inspired by the songs of the poet.; I have chosen three examples of such interconnections. In southern India, in the 12th century, a band of men and women, most of them from the landless, lefthanded castes, following the principles of the Virasaivite philosophy and inspired by the vacana poetry of Basavanna, Mahedeviyakka, and Allama Prabhu, formed a just society in Kalyana. In the twentieth century, Prime Minister Michael Manley, leader of the People's National Party, working hand-in-hand with reggae poet Bob Marley, attempted to create such a society in Jamaica. And in the nineteenth century, British poet Percy Bysshe Shelley created visions of a just society in his drama, Prometheus Unbound. By choosing examples which span centuries, continents, and cultures, I hope to suggest the universal nature of the principles of justice which I hypothesize.; The community at Kalyana collapsed because the outside world was unwilling to accept the challenge it offered to the status quo---the caste system of India. Michael Manley, though he achieved some lasting reforms, was voted out of office in 1980. The people of Jamaica---both the wealthy and middle class and the working class and poor---were spiritually unprepared for the sacrifices he demanded of them. As for Shelley, he knew very well that 19th century England was not ready to accept the revolutionary message of Prometheus Unbound. And we might ask ourselves today whether we are truly able to appreciate his vision and live by its precepts.; We may ask ourselves, "Why did they bother? Why didn't they compromise with the world? The community at Kalyana might have survived. Michael Manley might have been reelected in 1980. Shelley's drama might have been acclaimed by the critics instead of lambasted."; But what they achieved was more important than worldly success. What they achieved was to approach the ideal here on earth---whether in Kalyana, in Jamaica, or in a poetic vision. The good is not good because it meets with worldly success. The good is good because it is good. They set a valiant example for us to follow. |
