Spinoza's Geometry of Power

A compelling view of existence as a realization of power, possessing an internal structure akin to that of geometrical objects.

Valtteri Viljanen (Author)

9781107417380, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 June 2014

210 pages, 4 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.1 cm, 0.29 kg

'In this book, Valtteri Viljanen develops a very lucid study of the fundamental role the concept of power plays in Spinoza's system … Viljanen's book is one of the best books on Spinoza's metaphysics written in English since [A] Study of Spinoza's Ethics, published by Bennett in 1984. Moreover, like Bennett's book, Viljanen's is such that even though one can disagree (or agree) with its thesis as much as one likes, clearly this is a work that cannot be ignored.' Mogens Lærke, translated from Archives de Philosophie

This work examines the unique way in which Benedict de Spinoza (1632–77) combines two significant philosophical principles: that real existence requires causal power and that geometrical objects display exceptionally clearly how things have properties in virtue of their essences. Valtteri Viljanen argues that underlying Spinoza's psychology and ethics is a compelling metaphysical theory according to which each and every genuine thing is an entity of power endowed with an internal structure akin to that of geometrical objects. This allows Spinoza to offer a theory of existence and of action - human and non-human alike - as dynamic striving that takes place with the same kind of necessity and intelligibility that pertain to geometry. Viljanen's fresh and original study will interest a wide range of readers in Spinoza studies and early modern philosophy more generally.

Introduction
1. Spinoza on being
2. Causation and geometry
3. Power, existence, activity
4. The derivation of the conatus doctrine
5. The meaning of the conatus doctrine
6. Geometrical dynamics of individuality
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology [HPJ], Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900 [HPCD]