Principles of Cartesian Philosophy

by Baruch Spinoza

Preface gives a synopsis of Spinoza, his life, and where he was at during this time period. The book gives a huge depth into Cartesian Philosophy which is the philosophical doctrine of Rene Descartes. It also speaks of metaphysics in relation to Spinoza and Cartesian Philosophy. Baruch or Benedict de Spinoza was a Dutch philosopher of Portuguese Jewish origin. Revealing considerable scientific aptitude, the breadth and importance of Spinoza's work was not fully realized until years after his death. Today, he is considered one of the great rationalists of 17th-century philosophy, laying the groundwork for the 18th century Enlightenment and modern biblical criticism. By virtue of his magnum opus, the posthumous Ethics, in which he opposed Descartes' mind-body dualism, Spinoza is considered to be one of Western philosophy's most important philosophers. Philosopher and historian Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel said of all modern philosophers, "You are either a Spinozist or not a philosopher at all." All of Spinoza's works were listed on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (List of Prohibited Books) by the Roman Catholic Church. Spinoza lived quietly as a lens grinder, turning down rewards and honors throughout his life, including prestigious teaching positions, and gave his family inheritance to his sister. Spinoza's moral character and philosophical accomplishments prompted 20th century philosopher Gilles Deleuze to name him "the 'prince' of philosophers." Spinoza died at the age of 44 of a lung illness, perhaps tuberculosis or silicosis exacerbated by fine glass dust inhaled while tending to his trade. Spinoza is buried in the churchyard of the Nieuwe Kerk on Spui in The Hague.

Genres: Philosophy

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1663

About the author

Controversial pantheistic doctrine of Dutch philosopher and theologian Baruch Spinoza or Benedict advocated an intellectual love of God; people best know Ethics , his work of 1677.

People came considered this great rationalist of 17th century.

In his posthumous magnum opus, he opposed mind–body dualism of René Descartes and earned recognition of most important thinkers of west. This last indisputable Latin masterpiece, which Spinoza wrote, finally turns and entirely destroys the refined medieval conceptions.

After death of Baruch Spinoza, often Benedictus de Spinoza, people realized not fully his breadth and importance until many years. He laid the ground for the 18th-century Enlightenment and modern Biblical criticism, including conceptions of the self and arguably the universe. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel said of all contemporaries, "You are either a Spinozist or not a philosopher at all."

Reviews

[Truls Ljungström · Rating 5 out of 5]

Läsning 1: imponerande. Spinoza refererar sitt tankematerial - Descartes bok om principer - och skriver därefter ned de tankar boken väcker i honom. Distinktionen mellan fri vilja och tanke som Descartes gör, håller han för spuriös, och hans text om huruvida gud kan ändras, eller ej, är fascinerande. Jag påminns om tolkningarna av Parmenides, där det stod att hans bild av förändringens omöjlighet är transformationens omöjlighet, men jag minns inte vems tolkning av Parmenides det var.

Personligt: Förra gången jag gav mig i kast med Spinoza, uppfattade jag hans axiomatiska sätt att skriva som en svårighet, eftersom jag behövde gå tillbaka hela tiden. Nu har jag uppenbarligen lärt mig att använda det. På sätt och vis är det skönt, eftersom det påvisar något slags utveckling, men det är också skrämmande. Jag vill inte bli så mycket av en kuf. Nåja, beslut är öde.

[Mohammad Mirzaali · Rating 4 out of 5]

از معدود کتاب‌هایی که در آن فیلسوفی ترازاول (اسپینوزا)، آرای فیلسوف ترازاول دیگری (دکارت) را، که اولی بلافصل در پی او آمده است، شرح داده است. روش اسپینوزا همان روش معروف هندسی اوست که مشتمل به اصول متعارفه و موضوعه و قضایا ست؛ هدف او این بوده که فلسفه‌ی دکارتی را به حدی استنتاجی و یقینی ارائه دهد که هیچ منکری به انکار آن برنخیزد

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little repetitive. Some of the explorations of physics have been rendered out-of-date since his time, but good classic Spinoza nonetheless.

[Munta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bir filozofu en iyi kendisi değil, başka bir filozof anlatır tezimi güçlendiren bir eser. Özellikle sondaki Tanrı'nın niteliklerini tartıştığı kısım çok güzel. Descartes'ı anlamak konusunda da ciddi bir katkı sağlıyor. Matematik özürlü olduğum için çoğu Kartezyen içeren kısmı anlamamış olsam da.

[Craig Bolton]

Principles of Cartesian Philosophy by Baruch Spinoza (1961)

[Russell Stamets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great. One famous philosopher critiques another one.

[Russell Stamets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always found Descarte a tad dense. But Spinoza's take on him is much more palatable.