Spinoza: Theological-Political Treatise (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521530972)

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.

Author: Jonathan Israel
ISBN-10: 0521530970
ISBN-13: 9780521530972
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 05/03/2007
Pages: 329
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 8.90h x 5.90w x 0.70d