Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844

Historical Context and Significance

The «Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844» by Karl Marx are one of the key texts of early Marxism, where the author systematically presents his ideas on human nature, alienation, and the critique of capitalism for the first time. In these manuscripts, Marx analyzes the economic and philosophical aspects of capitalist society, introducing the concept of labor alienation, where workers become estranged from the product of their labor, the production process, their essence, and each other. These ideas significantly influenced the development of Marxist theory and philosophy, as well as subsequent social and political movements striving to overcome alienation and create a more just society. The manuscripts also contributed to the development of critical theory and influenced philosophers, sociologists, and economists studying the nature of labor and capitalism. In a cultural context, they stimulated discussions about human freedom, self-realization, and social justice, which remain relevant in the modern world.