In my master's thesis, I deal with a specific aspect of the socially critical opus of the Russian writer and thinker Leo Tolstoy, namely with his views on law as revealed in his Letter to a Student Concerning Law from 1909. In the introduction it is established that Tolstoy’s distinctly unfavourable opinion of law represents only one aspect of his social criticism, which derives from his worldview and beliefs. In order to better understand Tolstoy's rejection of law, I try to take into consideration the relevant social context. I then analyse Tolstoy's reproaches to law in more detail and critically evaluate them. On the theoretical as well as practical level, the arguments against seem to prevail over those in favour of Tolstoy's idea of a violence-free social harmony, that would be governed solely by the “law of love” instead of human laws. After briefly outlining the fate of Tolstoy's spiritual legacy in his homeland in the recent era, I conclude by trying to grasp the meaning of Tolstoy's critical thought towards society and law at present. Reflecting on Tolstoy's views on society and law, we are reminded, among other things, of the crucial role of the human being, who – with all their imperfections – stands behind every law in its brightest and darkest image.
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