Paniotova T.S. The creation of method: Un novum instrumentum in “Utopia” of Thomas More

Abstract: The subject of this research is the created by Thomas More method of “indirect approach” (ductus obliquus) reasoning in his work “Utopia”, which applies irony and fantasy. This method is characteristic to the eccentric intertwinement of fiction and fact that subsequently became the foundation for the utopian genre and form of creativity. The article follows the correlation between these elements in accordance with the three main positions: real and fictional characters, toposes and events in the first book of “Utopia”; authenticity and fiction in the documental sources and materials on the New World; accent on the idea and fact in creation of the image of the ideal state in second part of the book. The author introduces into the scientific circulation the new sources based on the original translations, as well as claims that the fictional component of “Utopia” was substantiated by the attributable to the era of Renaissance and Great Geographical Discoveries “captivation by America” (J. Borges). But “Utopia” does not mirror the New World realities: More is far from “idealization of the savage”, which is characteristic for a later period. The article expresses a suggestion that More perceived America as a fragment of the historical past of humanity, and believed that further progress of people of the continents depends on their familiarization with the world cultural values.

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