Spinoza: Theological-Political Treatise

A translation of Spinoza's Theological-Political Treatise (1670), with a substantial historical and philosophical introduction of this important philosophical work.

Jonathan Israel (Edited by), Michael Silverthorne (Edited by)

9780521530972, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 May 2007

329 pages
22.8 x 15.3 x 2.1 cm, 0.54 kg

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.

Introduction
Chronology
Further reading
Note on the text and translation
Theological-Political Treatise
Annotations: Spinoza's supplementary notes to the Theological-Political Treatise.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], Christian theology [HRCM], Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900 [HPCD], Philosophy [HP]