New Perspectives on Spinoza's Theologico-Political Treatise - (Spinoza Studies) by Dan Taylor & Marie Wuth (Hardcover)

About the Book

Brings together leading and emerging scholars of Spinoza across the world and across different interpretative and hermeneutic backgrounds for lively exchanges and pathbreaking analyses of an underappreciated keystone text in political thought.

Book Synopsis

Published surreptitiously in 1670, Spinoza's Theologico-Political Treatise transformed early modern Europe, destabilising widely-held ideas about authority, prophecy and biblical scripture, while arguing for democracy, free speech and religious toleration. Dismissed by one contemporary as a book 'forged in hell by the Devil himself', and suppressed soon after publication, the Theologico-Political Treatise had a tremendous influence from the Enlightenment, to German Idealism, to late-20th century Marxism. Today, a growing interest in Spinoza's political theory is connected to a longing for a counter-narrative to the Western tradition of philosophy and political thought, for which Spinoza is becoming a major point of reference.

This collection brings together expert and early career perspectives on Spinoza's politics of freedom, democracy, critique of religion and authority, the imagination, equality and violence. While providing valuable contextual material on the Theologico-Political Treatise on its 350th anniversary, the collection brings Spinoza's politics into debate with contemporary political theory.

Review Quotes

This is an illuminating collection of essays on a work that not only continues to challenge and fascinate us, but remains vitally relevant.--Steven Nadler, University of Wisconsin-Madison

This intensely engaging and original collection of essays stands as testament to the power of Spinoza's political and theological writings to continue to generate innovative and inspiring ways of conceiving of the State, freedom, and violence. This exhilarating volume opens new paths of inquiry for political and social philosophy, ethics, and the history of ideas, but it also offers welcome practical insights into the many conundrums democracy poses in our present.--Moira Gatens, Emerita Challis Professor of Philosophy, University of Sydney