Date of Award

Spring 4-22-2026

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Classics, Philosophy, and Religion

Department Chair or Program Director

Laura Mentore

First Advisor

Michael Reno

Second Advisor

Jason Matzke

Major or Concentration

Philosophy (Pre-Law Concentration)

Abstract

The Marxist theory of the law is underdeveloped compared to the rest of Marx and Engels works. This can be chalked up to legal systems merely being part of the superstructure, by which the ruling class use to maintain power. In this essay I push back on this notion that the rule of law can be dismissed, arguing that if Marx's true community is to be as such then the addition of a just legal system is not an issue. However, Marx's true community on its own is not enough to satisfy the inclusion of a legal system. Thus necessitating a synthesis with a modernized form of Platonic justice. To modernize Plato's conception of justice I provide a link between his justice and the notion of community. Harmony is the core focus of Platonic justice and I use it to form a true harmonious community that allows for a legal system to arise. Finally, I reflect on the current adversarial systems present in society today, to ensure  that true justice is placed at the forefront of a harmonious system.

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