Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844

Book Review

The «Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844» by Karl Marx represent an important stage in the development of his philosophical and economic thought. In these manuscripts, Marx systematically presents his ideas on labor alienation for the first time, analyzing how the capitalist system leads to the alienation of individuals from the results of their labor, the labor process, their essence, and other people. Critics note that in these works, Marx lays the groundwork for his later work «Capital», developing concepts that will become central to his economic theory. Special attention is given to his analysis of human essence and critique of political economy, making these manuscripts significant not only for economic theory but also for philosophy. Some critics emphasize that in these early works, Marx had not yet fully moved away from the influence of Hegelianism, which is reflected in his method and language. Nevertheless, the «Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844» remain an important source for understanding the evolution of Marxist thought and continue to attract interest from researchers studying both the economic and philosophical aspects of his legacy.