1772-1837
Socialist Philosopher

Plans for the Future. During the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries many visionary men and women desired to change the political and social structures of their world. Reformers who believed they could chart the future course of society by employing reason and scientific observation called themselves socialists because they were especially interested in engineering new forms of social organization. The core of this movement existed in France, where it was led by people such as Claude-Henri de Rouvroy, Comte de Saint-Simon (1760- 1825), Auguste Comte (1798-1857), Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865), and Charles Fourier. Although the founders of the early socialist movements were men, women were particularly attracted to these groups and often became leading voices in their development.

Early Life. Charles Fourier was born and raised in the city of Besancon in eastern France. He was the only son, the youngest of four children, and...