Spinoza

by Richard H. Popkin

This authoritative new introduction draws on both Richard H. Popkin's unparalleled scholarship and a wealth of historical and philosophical sources to highlight the real influences behind Spinoza's thought.
Popkin reconstructs Spinoza the man, and his theories, contrasting these findings with some of the popularity held misconceptions. Locating him within the context of his family and background, the author assesses the impact on Spinoza of everything from his infamous excommunication, to his affection for Euclidian geometry and the work of Descartes.
With a full account of Spinoza's groundbreaking Tractatus and Ethics, and an overview of his influence on both of his contemporaries and those who were to folow, this concise survey offers a variety of new perspectives, and will be warmly welcomed by students, scholars and interested readers alike.

Genres: Philosophy, Biography

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Popkin writes in this book of Spinoza the man sans the myth and the legend. It is customary to portray Spinoza as a secular saint, and it is precisely this that Popkin resists. Still, Popkin writes of Spinoza with deep appreciation and knowledge in straightforward language which makes this short book a delight to read. For those who would like to have a good understanding of the historical and intellectual milieu that Spinoza inhabited this book(although not as comprehensive as many others out there) is a must.

[Steve Granger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best biography of Spinoza and his ideas that I've read thus far. Richard Popkin is an excellent writer and offers a fair and well-researched description of someone who is often mythologized.

[Hugh Coverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Popkin has written a concise and balanced introduction to the life and work of Baruch Spinoza. Easy to read and understand, this book looks first at the excommunication of Spinoza from the Amsterdam synagogue before presenting descriptions of Spinoza’s two principal works, the Tractatus and the Ethics. Popkin ends by showing how Spinoza was received in 17th century Europe, especially in The Netherlands, France, and England, and how his influence has spread and continues to grow throughout the western intellectual world.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spinoza and Skepticism

Spinoza, the most certain of philosophers, by the distinguished historian of skepticism, R.H. Popkin, sets up an interesting dynamic. Can we know anything 'sub specie aeternitatis' or is all knowledge historically and temporally conditioned? Perhaps the historical figure of Spinoza has the answer.

[sheena d! · Rating 4 out of 5]

As easy as reading Cliff Notes, only more enjoyable. Popkin simplifies details of Spinoza's life without glossing over them, and challenges the current rhetoric on Spinoza as a person. Super accessible.

[J. M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction.