Feuerbach: The Roots of the Socialist Philosophy

A philosophical examination written in the late 19th century. The work explores the origins and foundational principles of socialist philosophy, particularly emphasizing the influence of Hegel and Feuerbach on Marx and Engels. It addresses the relationship between materialism and idealism, arguing for a radical materialist understanding of human history and societal development. At the start of the work, Engels introduces the historical context leading to the revolution of 1848, demonstrating how socialist thought emerged from the Hegelian tradition and the subsequent disintegration of that philosophy. He critiques Feuerbach’s idealism, highlighting its limitations and the necessity of grounding philosophy in materialism and concrete human experiences. Engels outlines that while Feuerbach's ideas contributed significantly to the evolution of socialist thought, his philosophical framework ultimately fell short of capturing the revolutionary potential that Marx and Engels would later advocate. This opening sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the dialectical method and materialistic conceptions of history that define the socialist movement.