Defining Alienation

Chapter 4 of this work delves into the multifaceted concept of alienation, seeking a nuanced definition derived from philosophical and sociological perspectives. The exploration begins with an analysis of Hegel’s conception of alienation, establishing a foundation for subsequent critiques and expansions presented by Karl Marx, specifically focusing on the ‘Young Marx’ and his philosophical humanism in the 1844 Manuscripts. A critical juncture emerges with Alasdair Macintyre’s perspective, notably in his 1981 work After Virtue, where he critiques a capitalist-derived individualism, identifying it as fundamentally alienating due to its inability to foster a rooted ethical ideal. The chapter identifies three interlocking components that constitute alienation: a lack of agency, meaning, and separation from the community. Each component is intricately linked to Hegel’s fundamental premise that alienation arises from the inability to perceive oneself and one’s values reflected in the world.