Socialism: Utopian and Scientific

Historical Context and Significance

Friedrich Engels' book «Socialism: Utopian and Scientific» is a significant work in the history of Marxist theory. Written in the late 19th century, it represents an attempt to systematize and justify the scientific foundations of socialism, distinguishing it from the utopian ideas popular at the time. Engels analyzes the development of socialist ideas, starting with utopian socialists like Saint-Simon, Fourier, and Owen, and shows how their ideas evolved into scientific socialism based on the works of Karl Marx. The book had a significant impact on the labor movement and socialist parties worldwide, promoting the spread of Marxist ideology and the formation of political programs based on a scientific approach to social change. It also played a key role in popularizing Marxism as a theoretical foundation for the struggle for workers' rights and social justice, having a lasting influence on political and social processes in various countries.