Socialism, Utopian and Scientific
Friedrich Engels
May 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
68
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
In "Socialism, Utopian and Scientific," Friedrich Engels presents a critical examination of socialist thought, distinguishing between reactionary utopian socialism and scientifically-grounded socialism rooted in the material conditions of society. Engels employs a rigorous analytical style that combines historical materialism with a passionate advocacy for working-class rights. The work is set against the backdrop of the industrial revolution, a period marked by burgeoning capitalist economies and stark class divisions, allowing Engels to elucidate the theoretical foundations of socialism as a necessary evolution of society rather than a mere ideal. Significant figures like Fourier and Owen are analyzed, ultimately revealing their limitations in addressing systemic inequality. Friedrich Engels, a contemporary and collaborator of Karl Marx, was a pivotal figure in the development of socialist theory. Born into a wealthy industrial family, Engels' initial exposure to the working class's struggles profoundly shaped his worldview. His experiences, including witnessing the dire conditions of laborers, spurred him to engage deeply with the radical ideas of his time, leading him to co-author seminal works with Marx, such as "The Communist Manifesto." "Socialism, Utopian and Scientific" is an indispensable read for those interested in the evolution of socialist thought and the critique of capitalism. Engels' insightful analysis encourages readers to assess the complex interplay of social forces and inspire contemporary movements for social justice. It's a compelling text for scholars and activists alike, shedding light on the practical implications of theory in the relentless pursuit of a more equitable society.
About the author
Friedrich Engels (1820-1895), German philosopher, social scientist, and journalist, stands as a towering figure alongside his close collaborator, Karl Marx. Engels is best known for his critical role in the foundation of Marxist theory, which later influenced the rise of socialist and communist ideologies around the world. His seminal work, 'Socialism, Utopian and Scientific,' clearly distinguishes between the idealistic, utopian socialism of early thinkers and the practical, scientific socialism that he and Marx envisioned, which was rooted in a materialist understanding of society's development and class struggle. Engels's multidisciplinary approach, evident in his writing, combined history, philosophy, and economics to address the conditions of the proletariat and the need for a revolutionary transformation of capitalist society. Engels's contributions to literature go beyond his political-economic theories, as he also co-authored 'The Communist Manifesto' with Marx, providing a manifesto for the communist movement. His analytical skills are also displayed in the work 'The Condition of the Working Class in England,' where Engels provides an empirical study of the effects of the industrial revolution on the English working class. Engels's comprehensive approach to scholarship and his commitment to social and economic reform left an indelible mark on political thought and praxis, firmly establishing his place among the foremost thinkers of the modern era.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
