NOTES ON BARUCH DE SPINOZA, TheologicalPolitical Treatise 1670

1
NOTES ON BARUCH DE SPINOZA, Theological-Political
Treatise (1670)
Probable Spinoza drawing of himself in the
likeness of Masaniello Tommaso Aniello (1622
1647), a fisherman who led a Revolt in Naples
2
The Preface to the Theological-Political
Treatise (TTP)

• Spinoza begins by examining the sources of
  superstition. He identifies two fundamental
  ones fear and hope of uncertain goods.
• Misfortunes help generate comforting fictions
  whose principle is a belief in Providence.

3
A Historical Example Alexander the Great

• Spinoza uses the example of Alexander the Great
  in order to prove that superstitious beliefs are
  only fantasies in the imagination that arise from
  fear of uncertain events. Such beliefs have
  resulted in numerous social conflicts and wars.

4
Monarchs and Superstition

• Monarchs have especially used superstitious
  religion in order to dominate their people and so
  have generally forbidden the free expression of
  thought.

5
Democracy against Superstition

• But such an attitude is contrary to the
  democratic spirit.
• The peace of a democratic state can only be based
  on the freedom of thought indeed, this is the
  main thesis of the TTP.

6
Religion and Superstition

• In the Preface, and throughout the TTP, Spinoza
  strongly criticizes the intolerance of religious
  leaders who destroy true spiritual religion he
  offers several examples of such intolerance.

7
Correct Philosophical Method

• In the different chapters of the TTP Spinoza
  offers a philosophical method for how to
  interpret Scripture.
• He separates philosophy and faith, and states the
  rules of a universal religion, which is revealed
  to everyones natural light of reason, and is
  based on justice and charity.

8
Philosophy and the Vulgar

• Spinoza closes the preface by noting that he is
  writing not for the vulgar (vulgus), who live
  under the influence of the passions, but instead
  for those who are philosophically inclined and
  sincerely want to examine the relationship
  between religion and the state.