Spinoza: Theological-Political Treatise (Cambridge Texts in the History of Philosophy)

Cambridge University Press, 5/3/2007
EAN 9780521530972, ISBN10: 0521530970

Paperback, 330 pages, 22.8 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm
Language: English

Spinoza's Theological-Political Treatise (1670) is one of the most important philosophical works of the early modern period. In it Spinoza discusses at length the historical circumstances of the composition and transmission of the Bible, demonstrating the fallibility of both its authors and its interpreters. He argues that free enquiry is not only consistent with the security and prosperity of a state but actually essential to them, and that such freedom flourishes best in a democratic and republican state in which individuals are left free while religious organizations are subordinated to the secular power. His Treatise has profoundly influenced the subsequent history of political thought, Enlightenment 'clandestine' or radical philosophy, Bible hermeneutics, and textual criticism more generally. It is presented here in a translation of great clarity and accuracy by Michael Silverthorne and Jonathan Israel, with a substantial historical and philosophical introduction by Jonathan Israel.

Introduction
Chronology
Further reading
Note on the text and translation
Theological-Political Treatise
Annotations
Spinoza's supplementary notes to the Theological-Political Treatise.