Spinoza : Basic Concepts

Spinoza is among the most pivotal thinkers in the history of philosophy. He has had a deep and enduring influence on a wide range of philosophical subjects, and his work is encountered by all serious students of Western philosophy. His __Ethics__ is one of the seminal works of metaphysical, moral, religious and political thought; his __Theological-Political Treatise__ inaugurated a novel method of biblical exegesis; and both his political works developed the pre-eminence of democracy above all other regimes. Nevertheless, the significance of Spinoza's philosophy is matched by its complexity. His system presents a considerable challenge for the modern student; his language is frequently opaque, while the esoteric themes explored in his work often require elucidation. __Spinoza: Basic Concepts__ intends to overcome most of such difficulties. Each essay in this collection explores a key concept involved in Spinoza’s thinking, relating it to his understanding of philosophy, outlining the arguments and explaining the implications of each concept. Together, the chapters cover the full range of Spinoza’s interdisciplinary system of philosophy. Gods And The Attributes / Stephen Connelly -- Immanence And Causation / Christopher P. Martin -- Infinite Modes / Kristina Meshelski -- Finide Modes / Sophie Laveran -- Time And Eternity / Fredrika Spindler -- Teleology And Agreement In Nature / Andrea Sangiacomo -- Reason And Knowledge / John Grey -- Consciousness / Eugene Marshall -- Theory Of Conatus / Valtteri Viljanen -- The Affects / Alexander Douglas -- Virtue And Freedom / Heidi M. Ravven -- Multitude / Ericka Tucker -- The State : Spinoza's Institutional Turn / Sandra Field -- Democracy / Martin Saar -- Language, Biblical Interpretation, And Philosophy / Guadalupe Gonzalez Dieguez. Edited By Andre Santos Campos. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 177-189) And Index. Annotation This title explores key concepts involved in Spinoza's thinking, relating it to his understanding of philosophy, outlining the arguments and explaining the implications of each concept. Together, the chapters cover the full range of Spinoza's interdisciplinary system of philosophy