The Consequences of Revolution in Popper’s view

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Abstract

Many consider the 20th century as the century of revolutions. Hence many theoretical and empirical efforts have been made to recognize the causes of revolutions. But beside great significance of revolutions' consequences, its literature is in its first steps and needs more theoretical and empirical efforts. Present article is going to provide a theoretical study of formalization of revolutions' consequences in Popper’s view. Some regard Popper as the most effective thinker of the 20th century. His theory was on piecemeal social engineering or reforms against comprehensive and revolutionary social engineering. But his theories on revolutions' consequences haven’t been expressed in his books clearly. This study is going to provide various theories on political consequences and to formalize Popper’s theory. Popper was one of the philosophers who rejected any violent holistic social change. In his point of view no revolutionary thought could lead a society to public welfare, and idealistic thoughts are behind revolutionary thoughts and actions. He shows that how good mannered people who intended to create a utopian society have been changed into authoritative dictators. Generally, Popper as well as many other theorists evaluates the political consequences of revolutions negatively and believes that revolutions lead to emerging authoritative governments  and  destroy freedom of speech, in contrast with the ideal society illustrated by revolutionary ideology.

Keywords