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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.
Table des matières
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
A propos de l'auteur
Justin Steinberg is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Brooklyn College, CUNY.
Valtteri Viljanen is Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Cultural History at the University of Turku.
Résumé
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.
Commentaire
?I never recommended a book about Spinoza until now. Steinberg and Viljanen?s Spinoza neatly presents this grand thinker?s ?abominable? and ?monstrous? metaphysical philosophy, cleanly tying it to his ethics and political theory. Excellent for professionals and amateurs alike.?
Steven Barbone, San Diego State University
?In its comprehensiveness, Steinberg and Viljanen?s book rivals the great encyclopaedic studies of the nineteenth century, while drawing upon the latest historical discoveries and interpretative work. It is a comprehensive and readable introduction to the best current knowledge of Spinoza.?
Alexander Douglas,University of St Andrews
