Spinoza on Human Freedom
Reason, Autonomy and the Good Life

Focuses on Spinoza's theories regarding human freedom, how it is obtained, and also an interpretation of his ethics.

Matthew J. Kisner (Author)

9780521198882, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 February 2011

274 pages
23.4 x 15.9 x 1.8 cm, 0.57 kg

'… this is an admirable reframing of Spinoza's ethical project. Kisner is correct to assign a central role to human passivity in Spinoza and doing so leads him to some very interesting ethical conclusions … Given that the majority of the literature before now has presented Spinoza's philosophy as overly austere and almost inhuman … Kisner's interpretation is a much needed corrective, one that has much to offer in its own right.' Eugene Marshall, Mind

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.

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.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900 [HPCD]