Marx's Humanism: Alienation and Liberation

Marx's Humanism: Analysis and Critique of Alienation

To understand Marx's philosophical project and his critique of political economy, we must begin with the idea and importance he attached to humanity.

His critical philosophy was not merely a critique of Left Hegelian philosophers who sought to change reality with words. Marx famously wrote: "The weapon of criticism must be replaced by the criticism of arms." Therefore, criticism must be radical, reaching to humanity itself as the root. Criticism is not confined to theoretical work; it is also an instrument of struggle against the enemies of humanity and exploiters, aiming for the liberation of every individual. For Marx, criticism is revolutionary praxis. (When Marx's daughter asked him to complete a personality test, some of his answers included: Idea of happiness: Fighting. Idea of unhappiness: Submission. Favorite maxim: "Nothing human is alien to me.")

Marxism can be considered a humanism because it promotes a critical stance against alienation and the exploitation of humanity, striving to establish conditions that restore the proletariat's stolen dignity.

Key Aspects of Marxist Humanism

• Ethical Humanism

  It establishes a hierarchy of values where humanity is the principal value. Therefore, anything that goes against human dignity should be rejected.

• Atheistic Humanism

  Humanity must be the author of its own history through its labor. It is not God who leads history, but human work. (If God existed, it would render humanity's task meaningless.)

• Materialistic Humanism

  Marxism advocates faithfulness to the Earth, which is humanity's homeland. Religion, it argues, alienates individuals from their earthly commitments by projecting real life into another world.

• Economic Humanism

  The fundamental factor in the historical process is the economic structure. History is understood through the lens of economics. In fact, Marx defines humanity by its productive activity, which changes throughout history.

• Communitarian Humanism

  It emphasizes solidarity with all humanity. The individualism inherent in economic liberalism goes against human nature. Humanity should be connected to all people; hence, the proletariat will unite for the salvation of humankind. The socialization of the means of production will enable the reconciliation of humanity with nature, with others, and with itself.

• Revolutionary Humanism

  It stresses the importance of praxis (practical action) to change society. This humanism is a force for changing social structures (the proletarian revolution aims to establish a classless society where the means of production are collectively owned).

• Scientific Humanism

  Marxism is based on the scientific analysis of reality. There is no effective revolutionary practice without sound revolutionary theory, but theory must not be abstract; it must be concrete scientific knowledge rooted in reality.