Marx's Early Writings

Paper Summary:

The paper examines Karl Marx's "Introduction to A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right" where he developed his early thinking regarding the needs for and means of a specifically German revolution. The paper shows Marx's beliefs that would later be developed into his wider philosophy of political economy. The paper is of the opinion that Marx is stronger here in his critique of the historical reality of his era than he is in positing a positive argument for how society can right itself.

Outline:
The Illusion of Religion
The Truth of the World
The Work of Philosophy
Critical Analysis

From the Paper:

"Marx begins his argument by analyzing the role that religion plays in modern society. He makes an initial presentation of his famous argument by claiming that religion is "the opium of the people" (1). This is because religion is a type of false conscience, based upon a set of lies that man has created for himself. Marx writes that "Man makes religion, religion does not make man" (1). Religion only has relevance, according to this argument, because humanity itself has not realized itself for what it is. And yet religion does hold sway over people, and Marx wants to apply criticism to it - to make man give up his illusions regarding it, but more importantly to make man "give up a condition that requires illusions" (1)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Marx, Karl. "Introduction to A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right." www.marxists.org. 10 October, 2006. <http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1843/critique-hpr/intro.htm.

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