Spinoza: Theological-Political Treatise

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 new translation of great clarity and accuracy by Michael Silverthorne and Jonathan Israel, with a substantial historical and philosophical introduction by Jonathan Israel.

• One of the most important texts in the history of modern thought • Facilitates understanding of the text for those with no technical training in philosophy or hermeneutics • Includes historical annotations and references for all biblical and other quotations

Contents

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