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Review from previous edition: ."..an interesting and provocative guide'"--Christian Science Monitor
"His exposition is beautifully lucid."--Expository Times
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Benedict de Spinoza (1632-77) was at once the father of the Enlightenment and the last sad guardian of the medieval world. In his brilliant synthesis of geometrical method, religious sentiment, and secular science, he attempted to reconcile the conflicting moral and intellectual demands of his epoch, and to present a vision of humanity as simultaneously bound by necessity and eternally free. In this book Roger Scruton presents a clear and systematic analysis of Spinoza's thought, and shows its relevance to today's intellectual preoccupations.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A very short introduction to this great 17th century rationalist philosopher was always going to be a tall order. In the preface, author and philosopher Roger Scruton acknowledges as much when he admits he has been unable to make Spinoza's theory of substance fully accessible, and that chapter 3 will need to be read twice if it is to be understood. As a beginner, I have to say I struggled through parts, but overall found it to be a fairly absorbing and well-structured analysis of Spinoza's key ideas.
Biographical details are for the most part limited to the first chapter, leaving the author free to devote the rest of the book to each theme in a more focused way - a wise decision, given the complexity of many of the areas of discussion. This book was first published in 1986 (like many in the series, it's a reprint of a 'Past Masters' title) which maybe goes some way to explaining why it may be 'Very Short' but it doesn't quite feel like an 'introduction'. That's not a major criticism though - this is still an instructive and worthwhile read.
Biographical details are for the most part limited to the first chapter, leaving the author free to devote the rest of the book to each theme in a more focused way - a wise decision, given the complexity of many of the areas of discussion. This book was first published in 1986 (like many in the series, it's a reprint of a 'Past Masters' title) which maybe goes some way to explaining why it may be 'Very Short' but it doesn't quite feel like an 'introduction'. That's not a major criticism though - this is still an instructive and worthwhile read.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Jewish scholar Baruch (Benedict) de Spinoza (1632-77) lived in the Netherlands at a time when science, politics, religion, and philosophy were all in ferment. One of the last great philosophical 'system builders', he eagerly entered the fray, corresponding with and influencing the top minds of his day. A philosophical scholar whose manual trade was lens grinding, and whose chief passion was extending and completing the philosophical system of Descartes, he survived some real physical dangers, mostly caused by his rather heretical and revolutionary writings. His thought continues to influence modern scientists, as diverse as Albert Einstein (who famously believed in "Spinoza's God") and Sir Harry Kroto, a current British Nobel Laureate in chemistry. Spinoza is still studied by professional philosophers and historians.
The moral philosopher Roger Scruton covers his life and works in this short but positive work. His readable style is erudite and concise, and allusive without being elusive. As ever with this type of work, the author's main problem is the tight confines of the space allowed to the subject matter in a concise introduction. Moral - don't forget to read the Spinoza too! The chapters are: Life and character; Background; God; Man; Freedom; The body politic; and Spinoza's legacy. There is a glossary, further reading, and index. Not covered is Spinoza's influence on theology and Old Testament studies as set out in his important 'Theologico-Political Treatise', especially his remarks on prophecy, and the then avant-garde chapter on the authorship of the Pentateuch and other historical books.
11 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a useful short book for philosophy students or those interested in Spinoza'a philosophy. Although the book lacks Scruton's own criticism of Spinoza's Ethics, he presents the concepts in a fresh and lively way.
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