Spinoza on human freedom : reason, autonomy and the good life

Bibliographic Information

Spinoza on human freedom : reason, autonomy and the good life

Matthew J. Kisner

Cambridge University Press, 2013

  • : pbk

Available at  / 7 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. 248-256) and index

"First published 2011 ... First paperback edition 2013"--T.p. verso

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Spinoza was one of the most influential figures of the Enlightenment, but his often obscure metaphysics makes it difficult to understand the ultimate message of his philosophy. Although he regarded freedom as the fundamental goal of his ethics and politics, his theory of freedom has not received sustained, comprehensive treatment. Spinoza holds that we attain freedom by governing ourselves according to practical principles, which express many of our deepest moral commitments. Matthew J. Kisner focuses on this theory and presents an alternative picture of the ethical project driving Spinoza's philosophical system. His study of the neglected practical philosophy provides an accessible and concrete picture of what it means to live as Spinoza's ethics envisioned.

Table of Contents

  • Abbreviations and translations
  • Introduction: beyond therapy
  • 1. Freedom as rationality
  • 2. Justifying Spinoza's conception of freedom
  • 3. Autonomy and responsibility
  • 4. Freedom and happiness
  • 5. The good
  • 6. The natural law
  • 7. Benevolence
  • 8. The free man
  • 9. Rational deliberation
  • 10. The character of freedom
  • 11. The freedom of the citizen
  • Conclusion: 'the true freedom of man'
  • Bibliography
  • Index.

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

Page Top