Is “The Giver” a Utopia or a Dystopia?
In Lois Lowry's novel "The Giver," a seemingly perfect society is depicted, in which everything is meticulously controlled, from the climate to the emotions of the citizens. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that this society is far from perfect. Whether this society can be considered a dystopia or a utopia is a question that has been the subject of much debate.
Negative utilitarianism is a philosophical doctrine that asserts that minimizing suffering and preventing harm should be the primary focus of ethical decision-making. This is in contrast to classical utilitarianism, which emphasizes the maximization of pleasure and happiness. In other words, negative utilitarianism argues that the goal of society should not be to maximize happiness but to minimize suffering.
In "The Giver," the society depicted is one in which everything is designed to eliminate pain, suffering, and any potential sources of conflict. However, in doing so, the society also eliminates many of the things that make life worth living, such as love, passion, and individuality. The citizens of the society are denied the right to make their own choices, and their emotions are suppressed, leaving them unable to experience the full range of human feelings.
Citizens are assigned their roles in society, have their daily lives regulated and controlled, and are denied access to any knowledge or emotions that may cause distress. On the surface, this society appears to embody the principles of negative utilitarianism by reducing suffering and harm to its citizens. However, upon closer inspection, the society in "The Giver" raises several issues that highlight the tensions inherent in negative utilitarianism.
One of the main tensions within negative utilitarianism is the balance between minimizing suffering and maximizing individual freedom and expression. While negative utilitarianism seeks to prevent harm and suffering, it also recognizes the importance of individual freedom and autonomy. In the society of "The Giver", the government has absolute control over the citizens, which results in the suppression of individuality and free will. Citizens are denied access to knowledge and emotions that may cause distress, and are forced to conform to the rules and expectations of the government. This highlights the tension within negative utilitarianism between the desire to prevent suffering and the need to respect individual freedom and autonomy.
Another tension within negative utilitarianism is the balance between minimizing suffering and maximizing pleasure or happiness. While negative utilitarianism prioritizes the reduction of suffering over the pursuit of pleasure or happiness, it still recognizes the importance of these positive experiences. In the society of "The Giver", citizens are denied the opportunity to experience the full range of human emotions, including love, passion, and creativity. While this may result in less suffering, it also deprives individuals of the positive experiences that contribute to a fulfilling life. This highlights the tension within negative utilitarianism between the desire to minimize suffering and the need to promote positive experiences and emotions.
