scientific socialism

Scientific socialism is a philosophy primarily associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. They contrasted their "scientific" approach with earlier "utopian" socialist ideas, believing that historical forces, particularly economic determinism and class struggle, would inevitably lead to socialist goals, often through revolutionary means.12

Marx and Engels posited that history is driven by class conflict. They argued that capitalism, while progressive in its development of productive forces, is inherently exploitative, alienating both workers and capitalists. This exploitation, they believed, would lead the industrial working class (the proletariat) to overthrow the capitalist class (the bourgeoisie) and establish socialism, a system intended to free individuals from necessity and exploitation.2

Engels later simplified Marx's theories, leading to a more rigid and deterministic version of Marxism known as "scientific socialism." This approach influenced subsequent developments in socialist thought.3