Dedications
Who are the audiences he is dedicating this work to? For what purpose?
What are his admonitions to other factory owners?
First EssayHow have the poor and working class been mis-served by society?
What is Owen's response to the charge that alternatives to better their lives have failed?
What is his view of human nature?
Why do children serve as a good example of human nature?
What is his single principle of action for society?
What does he want the national government to do?
Second Essay
How does he summarize his previous argument?
What has the invention of printing led to?
Be prepared to discuss in detail the example of the failure of Lanark and the rise of New Lanark.
What kind of "social engineering" happens in New Lanark?
What are its key principles?
What changes have been made?
Is this model exportable?
What role could government play in nationalizing this model?
Third Essay
What else needs to be done at New Lanark?
What is the "New Institution"?
How should the Sabbath change?
Should society be built on the principle of individual accountability?
How will the school, lecture room, and church function?
What is the purpose of the drill ground?
How will the old and sick be cared for?
Who cannot be relied on to establish the New Institution?
Fourth Essay
What kind of government is best?
What existing laws should be repealed?
How should the poor law and education be reformed?
What steps should be taken in sequence for education and labor?