The phenomenon of alienation in the historico-philosophical discourse: Evolution of the concept and contemporary interpretations

Alienation constitutes a critical issue in contemporary discourse, intensified by globalisation, digitalisation, technological advancement, social fragmentation, and escalating political instability. The relevance of this inquiry derives from the urgent need to conceptualise the processes through which individuals experience estrangement from their essence, from social institutions, and the broader existential framework of human life. The primary aim of this study was to reconstruct the historical and philosophical evolution of the concept of “alienation”, identify its principal stages of development, and examine its contemporary reinterpretations within the context of global transformations. Methodologically, the research was grounded in historical-philosophical analysis, comparative methodology, hermeneutic interpretation of primary philosophical sources, and interdisciplinary integration of perspectives from philosophy, sociology, cultural studies, and political theory. The study results revealed that alienation initially emerged as a metaphysical concern in ancient philosophy, reflecting humanity’s disrupted relationship with the Cosmos. During the medieval period, it was reinterpreted theologically as a rupture between humanity and the divine. The Early Modern era marked a pivotal shift, with alienation acquiring political and legal significance within the framework of social contract theory. In the nineteenth century, German classical philosophy and Marxism endowed the concept with systematic philosophical depth. In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, alienation has been further elaborated through social, cultural, existential, and technological dimensions, encompassing phenomena such as digital subjectivity, posthumanist critiques, and algorithmic governance. The practical significance of the research lies in its applicability to contemporary academic and policy discussions within social philosophy, political theory, cultural studies, and education