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Continuum''s Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to fathom, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material. Benedict de Spinoza is a major philosopher of enduring influence and importance, whose work is encountered by all serious students of Western philosophy; his Ethics is one of the seminal works of moral, religious and political thought. Nevertheless, Spinoza is a considerable challenge for the modern student; his language, rooted in the vocabulary of late Medieval scholasticism is frequently opaque, while the esoteric themes explored in his work often require elucidation. Spinoza: A Guide for the Perplexed provides that elucidation, offering a thorough account and analysis of Spinoza''s key works and overall philosophical project. The text equips the reader with the necessary means to draw full and clear understanding from Spinoza''s often inaccessible language and complex philosophical system and method. His Ethics and political treatises are covered in detail; Spinoza''s ''geometrical'' approach to his subject is opened up, and his obscure terminology fully explained. The book concludes with a valuable assessment of Spinoza''s enduring influence and his relevance for contemporary philosophical debates and concerns. It is an excellent support resource for anyone trying to get to grips with this challenging and important philosopher.>
List of contents
Preface
Abbreviations
Part I. Introduction
Chapter 1. The Netherlands in the 17th Century
Chapter 2. Spinoza's Life and Thought
Chapter 3. The Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect
Part II. The Ethics
Introduction to the Ethics
Chapter 4. Part I: God
Chapter 5. Part II: Mind and Knowledge
Chapter 6. Part III: Emotions
Chapter 7. Part IV. Ethics
Chapter 8. Part V. The Mind's Power and Blessedness
Part III. The Political Works
Chapter 9. The Tractatus Theologico-Politicus
Chapter 10. The Tractatus Politicus
Postscript
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Charles Jarrett
