Atlantean Prose and the Search for Democracy

The Crit: A Critical Legal Studies Journal, Vol. 2, 2009

23 Pages Posted: 3 Dec 2008 Last revised: 2 Mar 2009

See all articles by Nick J. Sciullo

Nick J. Sciullo

Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Date Written: December 3, 2008

Abstract

Atlantis, the Lost City, has been a focal point of folklore, archeological inquiry, literary criticism, and mystic interpretation. It has boggled the brilliant, confused scientists, and sparked the interest of children. "Skeptics, archaeologists, geologists, and anthropologists may rant and rave, but the myth of Atlantis endures. In every generation, someone emerges to champion the cause and to embroider the story." But the significance of Atlantean prose as an avenue through which to best understand critical legal thought has not been explored in depth. To be sure, there have been numerous books, articles, and opinions analyzing Atlantis, but little attention has been given to the legal significance of this type of storytelling. What does it mean to engage myth? How can legal scholars and practitioners learn from and use lessons of antiquity? Where does modern narrative theory fit into traditional legal discourse? I ask the reader to dive into the depths with me and consider what Atlantis can teach us about democracy, critical legal studies, and the rule of law.

Keywords: Atlantis, Democracy, Democratic Theory, Narrative, Myth, Utopia

Suggested Citation

Sciullo, Nick J., Atlantean Prose and the Search for Democracy (December 3, 2008). The Crit: A Critical Legal Studies Journal, Vol. 2, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1310790

Nick J. Sciullo (Contact Author)

Texas A&M University - Kingsville ( email )

CBA #212
700 Unversity Blvd.
Kingsville, TX 78363
United States

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