Friedrich Engels's Critique of the Nature of Social Justice under Capitalism

Abstract

ABSTRACT Throughout history there have been a myriad of different notions of social justice, which are widely discussed not only in various forms but also from different angles. Nevertheless, it was not until the emergence of Marxism that the concept of social justice really played a meaningful role in the liberation of humanity from unjust and oppressive social systems. Understanding the Marxist conception of social justice, including F. Engels's critique of the nature of social justice under capitalism, therefore provides the fundamental basis on which countless points of reference may be provided to unveil the true value of social justice under socialism. The theoretical rationale for social justice found in the Marxist classics has an acutely important meaning for the practice of building socialism throughout the world, especially in socialist countries at present.