FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH: A STUDY OF THE CRITICAL THOUGHT OF RELIGION IN THE INTRODUCTION TO MARX’S CRITIQUE OF HEGEL'S PHILOSOPHY OF LAW

Abstract

This paper discusses in depth the critical thought of religion shown by young Marx in the Introduction to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Law, which is not only an important part of Marx's early theoretical explorations, but also an important symbol of his transformation from idealism to materialism. In the Introduction to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Law, Marx systematically expounded the nature, function, root of reality, and critical method of religion through the perspective of anthroposophical materialism. He inherited Feuerbach's theory that ‘the essence of religion is the alienation of human nature and went beyond his abstract anthropocentrism to direct the focus of the critique of religion to real social relations. This study makes comprehensive use of various methods, such as documentary, comparative, and historical research, to sort out, summarize, and conclude Marx's early critical thought on religion on the basis of existing research results, with a view to providing valuable academic reference for domestic and foreign academics. Although this study is devoted to a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the critical thought of religion in the Introduction to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Law, the argumentation of some viewpoints may be insufficient due to the constraints of my current level of academic research and the availability of materials. Future research can continue to expand the scope of research and enrich the research methodology with the development of practice, so as to better make up for the shortcomings of this study.