This article explores the early period of Karl Marx's intellectual output, focusing in particular on the theme of alienation. The first part of the article surveys some of the key features of Marx's thought in order to demonstrate that his theory of identity is not necessarily fully coincident either with historic materialism as a historiographical and sociological paradigm, or with 'Marxism' as a program of political action. The intention, here, is to clarify specific stances within Karl Marx's thought. The final part of the article offers some reflections on the theme of alienation in his work.
Ranke; Alienation; Historical materialism; Marxism; Karl Marx
