Abstract
In the first section of this article, Marx’s critical evaluation of Kant’s and Hegel’s perspectives on punishment is undertaken, highlighting that Marx’s critique of Kant and Hegel emanates from his enduring and pivotal social standpoint. This critical stance, integral to Marx’s broader social philosophy, significantly shapes his perspectives on crime and punishment. The subsequent part, delves into Marx’s distinctive stance on capital punishment, revealing that his social orientation, encapsulated by Lukács as “Marx’s social ontological approach,” profoundly influences Marx’s position on punishment, ultimately leading him to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. The overarching theme of “Marx’s social ontology” serves as the cohesive thread binding the two sections of this article, harmonizing diverse facets of Marx’s writings and thoughts on the subject.
