The concepts of alienation and its overcoming are central to Marx's thought. They underpin his critique of capitalism and his vision of future society. Marx's ideas are explained in rigorous and clear terms. They are situated in the context of the Hegelian ideas that inspired them and put into dialogue with contemporary debates.

"This excellent book manages to convey, with compelling clarity, some of the most profound and nuanced philosophical themes; it helps restore the dialecticity of Marxist thought by elaborating its Hegelian origins. It is the best book I have come across on the Marxist concept of 'alienation'." - Tony McKenna, Marx and Philosophy Review of Books

"Sean Sayer's book is an impressive attempt to offer a defence of the Hegelian dimension of Marx's thought, and through it to defend Marx's theory of alienation." - Dan Swain, International Socialism Journal

"Sayers provides a powerful argument for the deep-lying Hegelianism of Marx's thought, sheds new light on some well-trodden areas, and writes in an accessible style that much Marx scholarship still lacks. What he proves, above all else, is that whilst a great deal has been written on Hegel-Marx relationship, this way of approaching Marx's philosophical ideas remains the most fertile field of inquiry for Marx scholarship today." - Jan Kandiyali, Radical Philosophy

Autorentext
Sean Sayers is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Kent, UK.

Inhalt
Acknowledgements A Note on the Term 'Alienation' Introduction The Concept of Alienation: Hegelian Themes in Modern Social Thought Creative Activity and Alienation in Hegel and Marx The Concept of Labour The Individual and Society Freedom and the "Realm of Necessity" Alienation as a Critical Concept Private Property and Communism The Division of Labour and its Overcoming Marx's Conception of Communism Appendix: The "Uplifting Influence" of Work and Industry Bibliography Index