Philosophical Religions from Plato to Spinoza
Reason, Religion, and Autonomy

This groundbreaking account of the concept of a philosophical religion traces its history from antiquity to the Enlightenment.

Carlos Fraenkel (Author)

9780521194570, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 November 2012

358 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.4 cm, 0.7 kg

'Fraenkel's philosophical credentials, linguistic skills, and command of the pertinent sources are impeccably displayed in this book. No research into the phenomenon of philosophical religion can be conducted without resort to it as a seminal study, and no course can be taught that relates to it without including it in its syllabus. Rather than categorically convincing and putting an end to further discussion, Fraenkel's book achieves something far better. It will compel scholars to reconsider texts over which they have long considered to be in command, and stimulate reasoned and lively debate concerning vital issues that are not simply academic in nature. Fraenkel's book authentically provokes in every good sense of the word, and is itself worthy of Spinoza's parting words in the Ethics - 'all things excellent are as difficult as they are rare'.' James Diamond, Iyyun: The Jerusalem Philosophical Quarterly

Many pagan, Jewish, Christian and Muslim philosophers from Antiquity to the Enlightenment made no meaningful distinction between philosophy and religion. Instead they advocated a philosophical religion, arguing that God is Reason and that the historical forms of a religious tradition serve as philosophy's handmaid to promote the life of reason among non-philosophers. Carlos Fraenkel provides the first account of this concept and traces its history back to Plato. He shows how Jews and Christians appropriated it in Antiquity, follows it through the Middle Ages in both Islamic and Jewish forms and argues that it underlies Spinoza's interpretation of Christianity. The main challenge to a philosophical religion comes from the modern view that all human beings are equally able to order their lives rationally and hence need no guidance from religion. Fraenkel's wide-ranging book will appeal to anyone interested in how philosophy has interacted with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious traditions.

Introduction: what is a philosophical religion?
1. Reason, divine nomoi, and self-rule in Plato
2. Moses, Christ and the universal rule of Reason in antiquity
3. Communities of Reason in the Islamic world
4. Christianity as a philosophical religion in Spinoza
Epilogue: did the history of philosophical religions come to an end?

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], History of religion [HRAX], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], History of Western philosophy [HPC]