Spinoza on Human Freedom: Reason, Autonomy and the Good Life

by Matthew J. Kisner

Overview

Spinoza was one of the most influential figures of the Enlightenment, but his often obscure metaphysics makes it difficult to understand the ultimate message of his philosophy. Although he regarded freedom as the fundamental goal of his ethics and politics, his theory of freedom has not received sustained, comprehensive treatment. Spinoza holds that we attain freedom by governing ourselves according to practical principles, which express many of our deepest moral commitments. Matthew J. Kisner focuses on this theory and presents an alternative picture of the ethical project driving Spinoza's philosophical system. His study of the neglected practical philosophy provides an accessible and concrete picture of what it means to live as Spinoza's ethics envisioned.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781139012614
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/10/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	401 KB

About the Author

Matthew J. Kisner is Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina. He has previously published articles on a variety of topics in early modern philosophy, including Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza and Malebranche.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations and translations; Introduction: beyond therapy; 1. Freedom as rationality; 2. Justifying Spinoza's conception of freedom; 3. Autonomy and responsibility; 4. Freedom and happiness; 5. The good; 6. The natural law; 7. Benevolence; 8. The free man; 9. Rational deliberation; 10. The character of freedom; 11. The freedom of the citizen; Conclusion: 'the true freedom of man'; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"....provides a compelling new view of Spinoza’s ethics. Scholars of Spinoza and early modern philosophy more generally should read this book, but others, e.g., those who study autonomy, would also benefit.... This book is an attempt to find a working, human understanding of freedom in Spinoza according to which human freedom is practical activity directed by rational deliberation, which is guided by a relatively adequate understanding of the human good. As such, it is a welcome and successful enterprise."
—Eugene Marshall, Wellesley College, Philosophy in Review


"This well-organized, clearly written book actively engages current scholarship on Spinoza and contemporary ethical debates.... Highly recommended..."
—C. A. Colmo, Dominican University, Choice


"...Kisner has given us an engrossing book which is a model of clarity and rigor, setting out a bold position in a way that invites further discussion and provides a platform for the development of diverging views. Full of interesting insights and connections, Spinoza on Human Freedom is an outstanding achievement."
—George Lăzăroiu, PhD, Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, New York

From the Publisher