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.
By:
Justin Steinberg
With:
Valtteri Viljanen
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 236mm,
Width: 163mm,
Spine: 33mm
Weight: 431g
ISBN: 9780745664897
ISBN 10: 074566489X
Series: Classic Thinkers
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 16 October 2020
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
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
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.
Reviews for Spinoza
I never recommended a book about Spinoza until now. Steinberg and Viljanens Spinoza neatly presents this grand thinkers 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 Viljanens 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
