A Realistic Utopia?

I was intrigued by Compte's idea of utopia that we discussed last class. Usually utopia is conceived as a place where there are no problems and everything is perfect. Compte's utopia, instead, is a place where problems are able to be solved. Compte sees the move to positive philosophy as the only way to achieve this end. He claims, "We may look upon positive philosophy as constituting the only solid basis of social reconstruction that must terminate the crisis in which the most civilized nations have found themselves for so long" (Compte 28). Compte want people to agree on "fundamental maxims" (28) and form a "common social doctrine" (28), so that differences can be discussed and solutions devised. This depiction of utopia is appealing because it seems far more realistic than the common conception of utopia. However, like all utopias, this one is very unlikely to ever exist. People are unwilling or unable to give up thinking theologically and metaphyscially about some things, and thus no real discussion can ever take place because there is an impass that cannot be breached. I better understand now what the ultimate benefit of a shift to positive philosophy would create. A world in which all things could be rationally discussed would be a far calmer and less volatile word indeed.