Spinoza

Benedict de Spinoza is one of the most controversial and enigmatic thinkers in the history of philosophy. His greatest work, Ethics (1677), developed a comprehensive philosophical system and argued that God and Nature are identical. His scandalous Theological-Political Treatise (1670) provoked outrage during his lifetime due to its biblical criticism, anticlericalism, and defense of the freedom to philosophize. Together, these works earned Spinoza a reputation as a singularly radical thinker.  In this book, Steinberg and Viljanen offer a concise and up-to-date account of Spinoza’s thought and its philosophical legacy. They explore the full range of Spinoza’s ideas, from politics and theology to ontology and epistemology. Drawing broadly on Spinoza’s impressive oeuvre, they have crafted a lucid introduction for readers unfamiliar with this important philosopher, as well as a nuanced and enlightening study for more experienced readers.  Accessible and compelling, Spinoza is the go-to text for anyone seeking to understand the thought of one of history’s most fascinating thinkers.

Primary Sources and Abbreviations Spinoza’s works Other works by Spinoza Other abbreviated references Acknowledgments 1 Spinoza’s Life 1.1 Early life in Amsterdam 1.2 The young philosopher: after the cherem 1.3 The mature Spinoza: Voorburg and The Hague Further reading Notes 2 Reality as God or Nature 2.1 Substance and mode 2.2 Attribute 2.3 Monism 2.4 Necessitarianism 2.5 Subverting the tradition from within Further reading Notes 3 Religion 3.1 Traditional philosophical theology 3.2 Critique of traditional philosophical theology 3.3 The main objectives of the Theological-Political Treatise 3.4 The context of the Theological-Political Treatise 3.5 The argument for the Separation Thesis Stage one: adopt a minimal method (preface) Stage two: critique of revelation (chapters 1–6) Stage three: the interpretative method (chapter 7) Stage four: the full rejection of Scripture as metaphysics (chapters 8–12) Stage five: faith and the Separation Thesis (chapters 13–15) 3.6 True religion Further reading Notes 4 Knowledge and the Human Mind 4.1 Ontology of cognition 4.2 Mind–body relation 4.3 Sense perception and inadequate knowledge 4.4 Adequate knowledge 4.5 Belief formation Further reading Notes 5 Action and Emotion 5.1 The conatus principle and its context 5.2 Main features of finite things as strivers 5.3 Action and teleology 5.4 Architecture of emotions 5.5 Passive and active affects 5.6 Affects and sociality Further reading Notes 6 Moral Philosophy 6.1 The critique of intrinsic normativity 6.2 Grounding goodness 6.3 Bondage to the passions 6.4 Human freedom Altruism and sociality Cognitive therapy 6.5 Individual eternity and the highest good Further reading Notes 7 Political Philosophy 7.1 Political context 7.2 Right, obligation, and power Naturalizing authority The significance of Spinoza’s critique of natural jurisprudence 7.3 The aim of politics 7.4 Toleration The anticlerical case for toleration The secular case for toleration 7.5 Democratism 7.6 Liberation and the state Further reading Notes 8 Spinoza’s Reception 8.1 The tumultuous first century 8.2 The long nineteenth century: the rise to fame 8.3 Spinoza until today: the silent years and the scholarly renaissance Further reading Notes References Index