Abstract

Plattel in part one of his study evaluates our contemporary society and believes it is in a crisis situation. Utopian thinking is being revived, and many in the social sciences have begun to realize that it is connected with "critical reflection." In our present situation "we face the humanization and domination of the future." If we are to have hope for the future, we have to "humanize a power over the future." The utopian thinker with his playful imagination and intellect, as Plattel states, can renew society. He dares "to undertake the existential adventure." He is open to infinite possibilities and he breaks through "the repressive crust of the constituted." Yet the vision of the utopian thinker is not mindless speculation or simply scientific rationality but critical reflection on society as well as self-critique. Part two contains three socio-critical essays. Religion, politics and the university are three topics which are discussed against the background of contemporary crises. Plattel in each essay feels critical reflection must be used to meet each crisis situation. This is an excellent book on the utopian phenomenon.—G. D.